LaVern R. Ulrich of Lockport, passed away December 30, 2009 in Buffalo General Hospital, after a brief illness. Born May 20, 1928 he was the son of Rolland W. and Veronica (nee Mosure) Ulrich. He went to the Country School on Chestnut Ridge Road and then to St. John's School in Lockport, and graduated from Lockport High School in 1946."Vern" worked at Sears and Singer Sewing Machine until he opened his own business Niagara Sewing on Locust St., he bought out his partner, Bob Sanford and moved the business to Main Street. In 1956 he bought the Spaulding Hardware store with two partners. Active in the community he helped form the "Below Pine Street" Association which continued until Urban Renewal. Spaulding Hardware moved to 215 Davison Road and when his partner retired he bought Standish Jones in Gasport.
"Vern'' was presented the Distinguished Award from the City of Lockport in 1964. He was a 59 year member of the Lockport Exchange Club and was in charge of the Home Show and worked on the Exchange Circus. He was presented the "Golden Deeds'' Award in 1976 from the club. He was instrumental in starting the Community Pool and with the Exchange Club helped with the Lockport Little Loop Football Field. He also was a volunteer fireman with the Terry's Corners Fire Dept.
His family and old cars were his passion and enjoyed spending time with both.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marlene (nee Stout) Ulrich; father of Thomas (Martha) Ulrich, Gerald Ulrich, both of Lockport Dennis (Maureen) Ulrich, Kathryn (Kevin) Worosz, both of Gasport and Nancy (Randall) Webber of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, six great- grandchildren; his sister, Audrey Keyes of Lockport; and two nieces and two nephews.
Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Monday morning at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. Interment will be in Huskey Cemetery. Memorials to the St. John's Outreach Program, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport, NY 14094 would be appreciated by the family. Please visit http://www.pruddenandkandt.com/
