Angelo John Uliana

Angelo John Uliana of Pen Argyl Pennsylvania peacefully passed away on April 11, 2024 at the young age of Ninety. Angelo was born on October 4, 1933 in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of three children. Angelo was the first born here in the United States. He survived his Father, Giorgio Uliana, Mother Enrica Uliana (DaRe), brother Paul Uliana, and sister, Anna Uliana Stocker, all whom immigrated from the Veneto region of Italy in the 1920s. Angelo’s mother welcomed him into this world when she was in her forties, nine years after the birth of his sister. Angelo was immensely proud of his Italian roots and instilled immigrant values in his children.

Angelo’s mother named him after the Angels, yet Angelo relished the opportunity to run through her list of devious nicknames for him like Distruttore del mondo -- Destroyer of the World. Nevertheless, Angelo was the apple of his mother’s eye. She even sat all night by his bedside when he broke his leg in a fall at work, much to the chagrin of his beloved wife, Carmella. Angelo was a restless young lad. He took particular pleasure in being a thorn in anyone’s side (especially his sister Anna), but he knew he would live to tell the tale, as he always could outrun whoever chased him with a broom. He was the real life Road Runner. Angelo loved to tell stories about his youth like being pulled around town on a sled operated by the family pig, Bosco, or when he was nearly struck by lightning, being mauled by an angry goose, or tripping over the neighborhood drunk on the way home from a showing of Frankenstein. Yet, as Angelo grew in age and stature, his spritely youth never left him. 

His childhood mischief turned into adult chicanery. Angelo did it all, from flying a car into and through a billboard, to his midnight requisitions. Everything was story worthy as only he could tell it, and for those who knew him, these stories were shared over and over. His family learned on his 90th birthday, that the billboard Angelo flew through was a Wonder Bread advertisement, with a child holding a piece of bread saying, “Look Ma, no holes!”

During some point in his crazy life, Angelo’s friends and family convinced him that if he did not slow down and get married, he would probably end up dead. The man needed some structure only a woman could provide. He met his bride, Carmella Falcone. Carmella was lovingly married to Angelo for twenty-seven years. Angelo and Carmella welcomed their two beloved daughters, Angela Uliana-Murphy, and Lisa Kulp. They will ever be his Italian Princesses. Angela and Lisa were raised to be kind, forgiving, intelligent, and spiritual warriors of society. They revere Angelo’s legacy with honor. 

He worked tirelessly day in and day out to make sure his family had everything they needed. Angelo was a hardworking, blue-collar worker who took great pride in his discipline, honor, and duty.  

Angelo found employment as both a cabinet maker and a painter both commercial and residential.  He was a member of the Lookout Fire Company #1 in Pen Argyl where he also served as a councilman on Borough council. Angelo was also a Fourth Degree Knight with the Fr. DeNisco Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the American Legion and a proud veteran of the Korean War.

Angelo was a beloved husband, adoring father, but he often remarked that his favorite role on earth, was that as a grandfather. Angelo is survived by five grandchildren, James W. Murphy, III, Savannah Murphy, Regan Murphy, Joy Lin Kulp, and Grace Li Kulp. Angelo often said that having grandchildren made him a millionaire, and if you ask any of his grandchildren, they would tell you that he too, made them feel rich. Angelo was a chivalrous and devoted Pappy. Angelo was--- nay, is the Sunshine that touches his grandkids lives, so they can continue to grow into adults that made Angelo proud. His seal of approval was the highest honor he could bestow. As you may know, Angelo was a man with high standards. 

            Every good storyteller has a preferred venue for listening. For Angelo, it was anywhere a good drink could be enjoyed. A man who lived in a family full of lawyers, Angelo relished in the fact that there was never a bar that he could pass. We ask that those interested in honoring his life, take a moment in the near future to raise a glass and toast to his memory. We respectfully add that any drink would do, may it just be the water, or also the wine. We keep Angelo in our memory through his Spirits, which also, much like him, have a strong kick. 

            Please also join us in celebrating Angelo’s life. A Mass will be held at Saint Elizabeth’s in Pen Argyl 10:30AM on Thursday, April 18, 2024, preceded by calling hours at 9:30AM. A funeral procession will follow. Angelo’s family does not wish to mourn his death, but celebrate his life. We will be hosting a Celebration of Life Memorial for Angelo on Friday April 19, 2024. If you are interested in attending kindly contact one of Angelo’s family members, and we will get you the specifics. You may contact daughters Angela, or Lisa, or you can contact granddaughters Savannah, Regan, or Joy Lin. We only ask that you bring your favorite story of Angelo.  

In lieu of flowers, Angelo requested that a donation be made to the Pen Argyl Lookout Fire Company #1, 123 South Main Street, Pen Argyl PA, 18072. Angelo dutifully and proudly served in the Pen Argyl Area Fire Company for many years, and he often thought of the brave individuals who continuously dedicate their time keeping his beloved borough safe. 

Finally, we understand that the passing of Angelo is cause for pause. He was a titan here in Pen Argyl. However, we ask you to bear his memory, as the physical manifestation of Angelo may have perished, his soul lives beyond and through the memory of others. Please help us preserve his memory for centuries. When you see the green feet leading to the Pen Argyl High School, think of Angelo. When you pass a tavern, think of Angelo. When you feel the sunshine on your skin, it is Angelo. Thank you all for those who embrace his spirit and contributed to his character. He will forever be missed.