Thomas John Ulrich

Thomas John Ulrich, 77 years old, passed away peacefully at his home in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan with his family on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 after a lengthy illness. Thomas was born to Clinton and Alice Ulrich on November 22, 1943. He was a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School and attended Wayne State University before joining the skilled trades as a Tool and Die Maker, working and retiring from Chrysler Corporation in December of 1998 after thirty years of service. Thomas married Nancy Jurczak on August 14, 1965. They celebrate 55 years of wedded bliss, residing in the City of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan since 1967, raising four sons.

Thomas was very involved with his community throughout his life. Thomas was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 58 years, serving in multiple capacities over the years. Thomas was also an active member of the Shorewood Kiwanis for nearly 42 years, serving as Secretary and Lt. Governor amongst other various positions. Thomas also served as on the Board of Directors and as President of the Lake Sainte Clair Symphony Orchestra for over twenty years. Thomas formed and produced the Concert in the Park Series at Wahby Park in Saint Clair Shores from 2009 to 2019 in conjunction with the Macomb Chamber Music Society and Shorewood Kiwanis and was a founding member of the Macomb Chamber Music Society, promoting appreciation for classical music throughout Macomb County.

Additionally, Thomas was also involved with many other organizations throughout the years including Right to Life of Michigan, the Saint Clair Shores Democratic Voters League, the Saint Clair Shores Republican Committee, the Save our South Channel Lights Organization, the Saint Clair Shores Parade Council. And the Macomb Arts Council. Thomas participated in multiple political campaigns, supporting local candidates and initiatives. Thomas was extremely skilled at fundraising for his volunteer organizations, directing and producing the “Rose for Life” campaign for Right to Life of Michigan, the “Nautical Nibble Taste Fest” and “Winterfest” for the Lake Saint Clair Symphony Orchestra, and the extremely popular Shorewood Kiwanis “Harper Charity Cruise”. Thomas’ particular devotion was his dedication to providing exposure, scholarship and opportunity to the children of the community towards developing their love and appreciation for the musical arts. Thomas and Nancy also started the Ulrich Imprint Service in 1970, working out of their residence, created the Ulrich Printing Company with a storefront on Harper Ave at Little Mack from 1982-1985. Thomas and Nancy have been members of Assumption Grotto Catholic Church in Detroit since 2005.

Thomas has received numerous awards, citations, resolutions and proclamations for his volunteer efforts over the years including from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and the Saint Clair Shores City Council.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; his four sons, Michael, David (Adrienne), Matthew (Lisa) and Steven; his two granddaughters, Kinsey and Hannah; his siblings, Paul, Mary Bell (James) and Jack (Rochelle); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are as followed:
Visitation Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 9:30 am until 11:30 am at Assumption Grotto Catholic Church (held in the on-grounds school next to the church) 13770 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48205. There will be a Rosary at 11:30 am in the church followed by Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm. Immediately following mass, a social gathering will be held at the on-grounds school next to the church, likely in the gymnasium.

We ask that all participants please be aware of and use standard COVID precautions (social distancing and use of face masks). Face masts will be provided, if necessary. The family is requesting that, in lieu of flower arrangements, any donations that wish to be made on behalf of Thomas John Ulrich be made to contribute to a perpetual college scholarship fund to deserving local high school graduates seeking continuing education in music or the performing arts. At his core, Thomas did his best to focus his efforts towards helping children and to promote the appreciation of classical music and the performing arts. Donations can be made to:

Please make checks payable to "Shorewood Kiwanis"

Shorewood Kiwanis
Attn: Thomas John Ulrich Scholarship Fund
PO Box 87
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the St. Clair Shores Chapel of the Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, 25800 Harper Avenue.