Michael "Mike" Ulrich

1940 - 2025

Ulrich, Michael "Mike"

Jun 15, 1940 - Jul 14, 2025

Passed away peacefully from complications of bladder cancer, at Beechwood Continuing Care, surrounded by the love of his wife of 60 years, Brenda (Almeter); his three children, Thomas Ulrich (Meagan), Stephen Ulrich (Kellie), and Anne McCaffrey (Chris); and his brother, James. Mike was the son of the late Robert A. and Alice (Benziger) Ulrich. He was the proud and beloved grandfather to eight grandchildren: Amanda, Hailey, TJ, Alex, Bridgetta, Meredith, Gretchen, and Connor. Born and raised in Lockport, Mike was a graduate of Lockport High School, Class of 1958. He attended the University at Buffalo before joining his father Bob in the family business, Ulrich Sign Co. in 1960. He was President of the company from 1975 to 2010, expanding the business into one of the largest sign companies in Western New York, with the signature motto: "A Business without a Sign is a Sign of no Business." After his retirement, the company has continued to be led by his son-in-law, Chris McCaffrey. He was a past president of the New York State Sign Association and received its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beyond business, Mike was deeply committed to community service. He led the Saint Mary's/All-Saints Food Pantry for over twenty years, expanding its reach to serve Lockport residents facing food insecurity. He was active in the Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Knights of Columbus. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Lockport High School in 2018. Mike was devoted to his family and particularly enjoyed summer vacations in Lake George and Myrtle Beach. When he and Brenda purchased a small house on Lake Ontario, "The Cottage," it became a special place for the family to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the 4th of July. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, golfing, and watching the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Guardians. Mike was a man of deep Catholic faith, leading the effort to save St. Mary's Church from closing, and later becoming a member of All-Saints Parish. He was a past president of St. Mary's Saint Vincent de Paul Society, where he received the Frederick Ozanam Award for his Vincentian service to the marginalized and less fortunate. His charitable works with Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Buffalo earned him the St. Joseph the Worker Award. Mike's faith provided him comfort and strength during the final months of his illness. He will be remembered for that enduring faith, his sense of community, and the countless special moments he shared with his friends and family. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m., in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on July 19th, at All Saints Parish in Lockport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DeSales Catholic School and the All-Saints Food Pantry in Lockport, N.Y.