Samuel Pierce Ulrich

Samuel Pierce Ulrich, 80, of Lower Heidelberg Township, passed away Friday, September 22, 2023 at Reading Hospital from complications from a stroke.  He was the loving husband of the late Barbara Ann (Zorena) Ulrich who passed away Monday, December 13, 1999.  He met the love of his life, Barbara, at the Neversink Playground, East Reading.  They were married June 1, 1963 at Saint Mary’s Rectory, because the Church was being remodeled.  They had two beautiful daughters and shared a wonderful, loving marriage of thirty-six years.  Dad would say “I wish we could go back to August 10, 1959, our first date.”  Sam was born in East Reading at 1308 Fairview Street on February 20, 1943.  Sammy was the son of the late Robert Price and the late Queena Catherine (Bohn) Ulrich. Surviving are his two loving daughters, Barbara A. Debkowski of Reinholds and Kay Lynn Ulrich of Lower Heidelberg Township with whom he lived for the past 12 years.  Also surviving are two “furry” grandcats, Kitty and Niko.  Sam was preceded by his loving siblings, Christine, Harry, Anthony (Rich), Robert, Jr., Gloria Kompa, Queena Pasko, Daniel, Mary Martin and Dorothy Sandridge.  All ten children were born at home.  They were a loving family and always helped each other.  Sam was preceded in death by his son-in-law Theodore “Ted” Debkowski.  He was a gentleman with a heart of gold who would do anything for Dad.  Dad was preceded by all his “furry” grand dogs, Muffy, Benji, Snuggles, Baby, Jake, Phelzby and Bella. If you had the privilege of meeting Dad you were blessed.  He graduated from Reading High School.  When Dad was 18 he suffered a head injury playing basketball.  Dad underwent surgery that left him paralyzed on his right side but still able to walk and drive on his own.  Our Dad was paralyzed through a doctor’s mistake.   He never gave up in life.  He taught us to believe in God, share, love and respect.  Dad was friendly to all that met him.  He could make anyone laugh. He was a true giver with a heart of gold.  The best friend you will ever have.  Dad was an excellent Father.  He taught us how to ride a bike, took us to the playground and the swimming pool frequently.  Every Sunday he would take the family for a car ride for ice cream.  During the 1970’s we enjoyed the Reading Fair trips.  Dad enjoyed the Phillies, Flyers and Eagles.  In October he enjoyed watching scary movies.  Our parents did a phenomenal job raising us.  Sam’s first job was a traffic surveyor when the bypass came through in Reading. In 1961 Dad worked at Giles the Florist on Fifth Street.  From 1961 to 1963 he worked in the planning department at Textile Machine Works.  1963 to November 1965 Dad was employed at the Daniel Boone Homestead.  December 4, 1965 he was employed by the City of Reading Water Department and Maidencreek Filter Plant.  Dad retired March 2, 1978.  Dad appreciated the care and love from his daughters throughout his life.  Sam and his daughters would like to thank his two sisters “Angel” Gloria Kompa and “Angel” Queena Pasko for coming to his Flying Hills apartment every Monday for years to help and visit him.  Their golden hearts will never be forgotten.  The family would also like to thank Dr. Daniel Tumelty and Pam, R.N. from Kenhorst Family Medical Center Tower Health.  For many years Dr. Tumelty provided excellent care to our father.  He is truly an exceptional caring doctor.  Tower Health is lucky to have him.  The family would like to thank Tina Althouse for her culinary dishes and Brenda Simchick for assisting with his care.  We would also like to thank Chaneli Diaz for her thoughtful gesture.  We would like to thank “Angel” Dot Sandridge, “Angel” Mary Martin, “Angel” Daniel Ulrich, Ed Sandridge, Scott Sandridge, Patricia Rathman-Smathers, Tom Smathers, Rose Emerick, and Donald Berger for visiting with Dad.  In 2012, Josiah Manga from Abilities In Motion helped with Dad’s care.  I, Kay Lynn, will never forget you.  Over the last 12 years, Pop’s had numerous Home Care Services.  Dad praised each one of you for your loving care:  Rose Emerick, Jessie Ramos, Paval,  Diamond, Maria A., Eli and Manny, Your kindness will live on.  We would like to thank Neshia Floyd from UPMC Community Health Choices for your kindness and helping with his care.  The family would like to THANK EVERYONE who expressed their gestures of sympathy and kindness during this difficult time.  I, Kay Lynn, was Dad’s caregiver for 15 years.  I am so proud I could give Dad all the wonderful care and true love he deserved.  The fun we shared together could never be replaced.  I kept a journal of all our days together.  The Love and Respect I have for My Dearest Parents is immeasurable.  Dad was the last living member of his family.  He is now reunited with his family in Heaven sitting around the kitchen table playing pinochle, eating and drinking coffee.  He is finally pain free and reunited with his loving wife  Barbara. 

Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  Dad would always say “Throw a party and celebrate when I die.”  Please stay close to your family.  I lived a good life.  Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home 444 North 9^th Street, Reading is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.whelanschwartz.com