John Francis Ulma Jr.

John Francis Ulma Jr.

Of Hallstead, PA

John Francis Ulma, Jr., 81, of Hallstead, PA, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, NY.  He was the first child born to John F. and Bertha (Narbon) Ulma, Sr., who preceded him in death along with his loving wife, Mary Donna (Charles) Ulma; and a brother, Franklin Ulma.

John is survived by two children and nine grandchildren: his son, John Francis, III, and daughter-in-law, Maureen Ulma; their children: Emily, Alexandria, Connor, Gair, Daniel, Abigail, and Madeline; and his daughter and son-in-law, Donna Lynn and Daniel Savarese; their children: Matthew, and Emma. Also surviving are two sisters, Donna Batson; Kathleen Brown and her spouse, Eugene Brown; nieces and their spouses: Amy Batson and Andrew Yauchler; Angela and Rossana Batson, Heather and Victor Castro, Meagan and Matthew Torre, and nephew, Jay Batson and his fiancée, Christena Richard.

John was born in Cohoes, NY, and lived with his parents, brother and sisters on Ontario Street. His family attended St. Bernard’s Church. John was a proud altar server. As a student in the eighth grade at St. Bernard’s School, he first met his future bride.  John enlisted in the Army in 1958, while Mary Donna remained the anxious girlfriend waiting for his safe return.  Honorably discharged in 1962, John began dental technician training, enjoyed and mastered the trade. On November 3, 1962, John and Mary Donna married in St. Bernard’s Church.

In 1972, with their 4-year old son, the couple made a fresh start in Susquehanna, PA. In 1986, the family which now included a daughter, moved to Hallstead, PA. Until his retirement, John successfully owned and operated his own dental laboratory with his steadfast wife as the office manager.

John was a quiet man, but his actions spoke volumes about his loving, generous heart. Before joining the Army, John was always industrious and supportive of his family. During the summers, he worked long, hot hours doing farm work. He delivered newspapers and ran milk routes – all to help his parents and siblings.  He opened his heart to young boys without families, and was honored as a volunteer Big Brother. John’s “little brother” was only nine years old when John first met him. Michael soon became family. John remained in close contact with his “little brother,” who is now 67. Before her death, Mary Donna and John celebrated their 50 ^th wedding anniversary on November 3, 2012.  When his wife’s illness left her dependent, John selflessly became her loving nurse and round-the-clock caregiver until her passing in 2013.

John was an intellectually curious man, interested in history and current events.  It was rare to see him without a book or newspaper in hand.  He was a voracious reader. His correct spelling ability and beautiful penmanship were rare gifts.  He appreciated classic and silent movies. For a short time, he enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members of a classic car automobile club.  John respected and felt awed by nature.  We will miss his beautiful whistle. He named his steadfast hummingbird visitor “Napoleon” not only for his tenacity in returning, but in also dominating fellow would-be feeders. Hunting, fishing, and camping provided welcome and joyful adventures for this nature lover.

The family will receive friends and family at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave., Susquehanna, PA, on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 10 to 11am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 15 E Church St, Susquehanna, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.