Peter William Ulrich

1926 - 2016

Peter William Ulrich "Together Foever"

Peter William Ulrich, 90, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2016.

Peter was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 13, 1926 and graduated from Glenville High School before attending Western Reserve University and ultimately earning Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Kent State University in Music Education. Peter was active in the Kappa Sigma Chi Fraternity at KSU, serving as Vice President of his graduating class of 1949. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey during the Korean Conflict.

Upon his honorable discharge, Peter returned to his home town and earned a scholarship to the Cleveland Institute of Music by taking top honors in a competition to determine the best male voice of operatic quality in Cleveland, which at the time, was the 7th largest city in the nation.

Peter was an acclaimed baritone soloist at the Old Stone Church on Public Square, studied with the Theodore Bloomfield Opera Workshop, and performed on local radio in addition to being featured on several television programs.

In 1953, he gave up a promising opera career, married his college sweetheart, Irene Brodbeck, and moved to Akron where they both became school teachers. Peter and Irene retired from the Cuyahoga Falls School system in 1980 where he had been the high school vocal music director. While teaching, Peter continued to sing publically as baritone soloist at Trinity Lutheran Church, and later became choir director and soloist at United Church of Christ in Akron. He performed the title role in the oratorio "The Elijah" with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and subsequently became a frequent soloist under Conductor Louis Lane in many symphony pops concerts. Peter and Irene sang many club dates in the Cleveland/Akron area, and remained active in music performance throughout their careers. For nearly twenty years after their retirement from teaching, Peter and Irene volunteered hundreds of hours at Akron General Hospital, Akron Civic Theatre, E. J. Thomas Hall, and Lock 3.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Rose Ulrich, and was devastated by the loss of his beloved wife, Irene, in 2010. He is survived by his sons, Peter, Jr. (Elaine), Scott (Julie); three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no calling hours or memorial service. In lieu of gifts, the family suggests take time each day to communicate with someone you love - be they near or far.

Our deepest appreciation to the caring souls at Brookdale Bath Living Communities and Hospice.

Personal remembrances are welcome and may be sent to: pulrich@neo.rr.com. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)