Walter Ulerich
Walter Ulerich of Uniontown, beloved husband, father of five, grandfather of eleven and great grandfather of ten, passed away in his home November 20, 2011 after an extended illness. He was 86.
Walter was born in Johnstown, Pa on August 10, 1925, the eighth of eight children of the late Albert and Bernadine (Wertz) Ulerich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his seven siblings: Ruth Bowers, William Ulerich, Jean Ott, Marjorie Brown, Betty Kubanda, Paul Ulerich and Esther Lishka and a daughter-in-law, Leslie Ulerich of Somerset, Pa.
Walter worked on a mink farm as a boy, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then went to work at his brother’s Highway Appliance store near Charleroi. Ultimately, he was a salesman by trade and by nature, peddling everything from milk and nuts to hearing aids, Cutco cutlery and life insurance. He was selected as a top national salesman for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. Later he co-founded the French Towel and Uniform Company in Uniontown from which he is retired. In his retirement, Walter enjoyed many activities including: gardening, woodworking, cooking and especially spending time with his family. He was famous for his enthusiasm and straight talk. He always told you exactly what was on his mind (although not all of his words could be found in the dictionary). He had experience many health challenges over the years, but always had an amazing resilience and love for life.
Walter is survived by the wife he loved for over 60 years, Patricia Ann (Groncy) Ulerich, originally of Scenery Hill, Pa and by their five children: Diane Rohlf and husband Robert of Somerset, Mark Ulerich and wife Terri of Uniontown, Dan Ulerich and wife Sheila of Somerset, Lisa Ulerich of Uniontown and Karen Lonigro and husband Dan of Uniontown; his grandchildren: Patrick Rohlf and wife Laura, Matthew Rohlf and wife Jessica, Michelle Letosky, Michael Rohlf, Kimberly Mincek and husband Jamie, Christopher Rohlf, Craig Ulerich, Michael Kalmback and wife Rebecca, Jordan Lonigro, Lauren Lonigro and Logan Lonigro; his great-grandchildren: Ethan and Emily Rohlf, Nicholas and Sarah Letosky, Liam, Lucy, Lane and Lowen Mincek, Ivan Rohlf and Thurman Kalmback and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the KEZMARSKY FUNERAL HOME, 71 Pennsylvania Avenue, Uniontown, PA. today, November 21, 2011 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday morning until 9:45 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said followed by a 10:15 am Mass of Christian Burial in St. John the Evangelist RC Church with Rev. Father Michael J. Crookston as Celebrant..
Interment follows in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist RC Church, 50 Jefferson Street, Uniontown, Pa 15401.