Edward C Ulmer Sr's Obituary
Edward “Ed” Charles Ulmer Sr. passed away on January 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving family in Flagler Beach, Florida, at age 72.
Ed was the son of Elizabeth “Betty” (Ford) and Clarence Ulmer. He was predeceased by his parents and first-born son, Edward Charles Ulmer Jr. He is predeceased by his lifelong friend Kenneth Salisbury Sr.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara (Davis) Ulmer, his children Khristina, Jeremiah (Laura) and Jonathan, his grandchildren Ashley Fortin-McLaughlin (Jimmy), Edward Charles III, Vi, Natalie, Sam, Max, and Lucas Ulmer and his loving dog Cindy Lou.
Ed grew up in Southern Rensselaer County, NY and graduated from Columbia High School. He then enlisted in the United States Navy. Ed served during the Vietnam War, assigned to the USS Ticonderoga in the Pacific Ocean. It was his great honor to serve his country and that his daughter followed in his footsteps serving in the United States Navy as well. His patriotism permeated throughout his everyday life.
Ed and Barbara married during a blizzard prior to his deployment. This set the foundation that they could weather any storm that would come their way. They shared a lifetime of memories, not only as husband and wife but as best friends.
Upon leaving the military, Ed attended SUNY Albany. Ed was a talented carpenter. He started carpentry while in high school and after college he began his lifetime career. He was known not only as a carpenter, but as a tradesman who “could do it all”. He was a business owner and a contractor, later retiring from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (Local 370), as a Finish Carpenter. He was extremely proud to work on the NYS Capitol and the Olana Historic Site. His sons and grandson followed in his footsteps, taking careers in the union trades, as an ironworker and electricians.
Ed enjoyed family camping trips and destination trips with his wife, family, and friends. His hobbies, although sometimes reluctant, often involved renovation projects at home and in the homes of his children and granddaughter. Family and friends could always count on him to help when he was needed. He loved music and shared his passion for particular artists, often around a campfire with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family, and was a proud and loving grandfather, affectionately known as “Poppy”. Ed had an irreplaceable bond with each one of his grandchildren, happily first in line on the list for school pickup.
Ed leaves a long line of best friends in New York and Florida. Everywhere he went he seemed to make a special connection with people who treasured knowing him. His smile was infectious, and he had a witty sense of humor. We often joke that he was “the mayor” everywhere we went, striking up conversations and making connections with people, yet he did not like being the center of attention.
He left too soon and had many adventures yet to be taken. His wanderlust preceded him, he left before being able to complete a well-planned cross-country expedition, a Caribbean cruise, and a visit to Hawaii. He still had many projects planned in his homes. Most importantly, he leaves before seeing his grandchildren grow up, and enjoying many more years with his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Building Homes for Heroes in Ed’s honor.
https://www.homesforheroes.com/
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.
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