Obituary of Joseph P. Ullrich

Joe Ullrich (2)
Date: February 19, 2020

1956 – 2020 SHEFFIELD Joseph P. Ullrich, 63, of 204 Hewins Street, passed away on February 18 after a fierce battle with cancer.

Joe was an honorable man who defined the word integrity. He set an example of what makes a great man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend.

Once you met Joe, you felt as if you had known him your whole life. Joe loved to travel, and visited 54 countries. Wherever he was, people gravitated towards him, and he had an uncanny ability to fit in wherever and with whomever.

Joe was our rock. He was smart, honest, caring, generous, and loving. He would watch every Patriots and Bruins game with a house full of buddies. Joe made everything better; every story was funnier, every drink was stronger, every steak was tastier. He was a lifelong hunter with his brothers, and some of his best memories were from the hunting camp. We are brokenhearted, but we know we will see him again.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Brenda (Horsch) Ullrich, daughters Rachel Ullrich, Krista Ullrich, partner Steven Blackwell and their children Jacob and Mason, Mandy Rogers-Thieriot and husband David and their children Camden and Charlotte. Brothers George and partner Sandy Holst-Grubbe, Steven and wife Judy and their children Victoria, Little Stevie and Cassie. Parents-in-law William and Jennie Horsch, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and family and friends in the Berkshires and across the country. Joe is predeceased by his parents George and Sabina Ullrich, and his beloved son Ryan.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 24 from 4pm-7pm at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME at 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 25 at 11am with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Valley Church at 99 Maple Avenue, Sheffield, MA 01257. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Joe’s memory may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires in the care of the Birches-Roy Funeral Home at 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.

8 Responses to Obituary of Joseph P. Ullrich

  1. Mark Teggi
    February 19, 2020
    at 7:47 pm

    Joe was my best and truest friend. Since we met 43 years ago I have never met a more honorable, sincere, loving man in my whole life. Joe was much more than a friend, he was my brother. We shared both wild times and phenomenally painful times. I will miss Joe’s smile, laugh, wit, honesty and advice. There is no replacing this man. The hole in my heart and life will remain forever. My love goes out to Brenda, Krista, Rachel, George, Steve and all the rest of his family. Joe is with Ryan, George Sr and Sabina now, smiling down on us. My thoughts and prayers are with you my brother, til we meet again “Gambay”!!!!

    Reply
  2. Roberta Sarnacki
    February 20, 2020
    at 3:20 pm

    Brenda and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and praying for you.

    Reply
  3. Cindy Plantz
    February 20, 2020
    at 7:05 pm

    Where do I start?

    I will be forever grateful that I snagged Joe to assist me in coaching Little League. I never met the man before this time. But I chose Ryan for my team and Joe was always there. And there it began.

    When I say “he was always there”, HE WAS ALWAYS THERE. In Little League and in friendship. And for the kids.

    He was a no-muss, no-fuss kind of guy. Straightforward, but with tact. Always warm, always friendly. Always greeted everyone with a smile. Great with kids, great with people, great with me. I loved him. As I did with Brenda and Ryan and all the rest of the family. As they did me.

    I forget whether it was Christmas or Thanksgiving, but I was alone and they invited me to their family gathering. I went. It was fantastic and I will be forever grateful.

    Some of the best times of my life was spent with Joe, Brenda and many others in the Ullrich family. Joe was one of the most fun people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. AND having fun with!

    When I moved away, we lost track of each other. Because of this, I say to all of you, hold your friends dear. Don’t forget them. Make contact with them often. I stopped by their place a few months ago when I saw Joe on the lawnmower. So glad I stopped. A few weeks later, I heard that Hospice was at the house. I called. I was scared because we had lost contact, but I’m so glad I did. We reminisced. It was fun. Just like old times. I told him I loved him. I will never forget him.

    Peace be with you, Joe.

    Reply
  4. Lisa Caputzal
    February 20, 2020
    at 8:16 pm

    Dear Brenda Rachel & Family,
    We are sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Lisa & Lou Caputzal

    Reply
  5. Terry Palfini i
    February 24, 2020
    at 5:35 pm

    Dear Brenda and Family,
    We are sorry to hear of your loss.
    Terry & John Palfini

    Reply
  6. Rebekah Dellea
    February 25, 2020
    at 4:20 pm

    Dear Brenda & Rachel, we are so very sorry for your loss. Can’t imagine your pain and sorrow… and understand it’s probably unbearable. No doubt Joe was able to fight as hard as he did with you two lovies by his side. We’ll be lifting you in prayer daily, with love and peace always.

    Reply
  7. Gary (Ruski) Pshenishny
    February 28, 2020
    at 10:17 am

    Sorry to hear of Joey’s Passing and my condolences to his friends and family. Growing up with Joey I remember how generous he was. Also, will remember him cursing around in his green Javelin blaring Black Sabbath.

    Reply
  8. Gary (Ruski) Pshenishny
    February 28, 2020
    at 10:25 am

    Sorry to hear of Joey’s Passing and my condolences to his friends and family. Growing up with Joey I remember how generous he is. Also, will remember him cursing around in his green Javelin blaring Black Sabbath.

    Reply

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