John Edward Urich Jr.

John Edward Urich Jr. has left an impactful legacy with all of us. We loved him and he loved all of us.

John loved people and never met a stranger he could not talk to or find something in common with. He was quick witted and could bring a smile to everyone. He had an encyclopedic mind and a funny story for every occasion. His dynamic personality helped him make lifetime friends wherever he worked, played, or sought adventures.

From an early age, John exhibited an independent nature and a strong inclination towards adventure. Beginning his career at the age of ten as a newspaper delivery boy, he diligently covered his daily route around the entire town. His extensive exploration of the adjacent Susquehanna River included many hours in and on its waters during summer, fishing, camping and investigating nearby islands with his small boat. In winter he ice skated on the rough, ungroomed surfaces. During his early teenage years, he developed his entrepreneurial spirit with a signage business painting mailboxes and street numbers. He preferred unstructured activities but also took part in church camp and Boy Scouts.

During John’s pursuit for independence, he traveled widely and formed lifelong friendships that led to a move to the South with career changes from student to dental prosthetics to offshore barge operations. These careers and friendships developed over the years into several meaningful relationships, including the love of his life, Connie Henley, his wife for 42 years. John assumed multiple roles, including those of a friend, mentor, and confidant.

John was adventurous and absolutely loved to travel and experience new things, areas, and cultures. While in junior college, he began spelunking with a friend and shared his love for it with his brothers. As an adult, his love for water continued as a favorite pastime while sailing in San Diego Bay while stationed there in the U.S. Navy. Trading his maintenance skills for free rides, he started soaring in a glider over the Scottish mountains while on R&R from a North Seas offshore barge assignment. Motorcycles, dirt bikes and sailboats were an integral part of his life and at any given time he was known to own several at a time.

John will be missed by all his loved ones, forever.