JOHN ULZHEIMER

John Ulzheimer of Petersburg, Va., passed away on August 12, 2015. Born in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, he was the eldest child of the late Henry John and Helen Lynch Ulzheimer. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Teresa Lezzo Prisco on December 22, 1972, his second wife, Verna Belle Potter Smith on February 19, 2005; one son, Barry Francis Smith; two brothers, Joseph and Edward; and a sister, Dorothy. His father's parents emigrated from Germany, his mother's parents from Ireland. Mr. Ulzheimer was a United States Army World War II Veteran having served in the Pacific Theatre, serving with the 775th Tank Battalion in landing and liberation of the Philippines, Luzon Campaign in January 1945. He retired from the City of New York Parks and Recreation in 1977.

Although Mr. Ulzheimer had no children from either marriage, the children and descendants who survive him, he called his own. He is survived by sons, Michael Anthony Prisco and wife, Christine, Ronald Gene Smith and former spouse, Berta; a daughter, Jane E. Smith; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and his adorable friend Muffin, a Pomeranian.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2015, at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Petersburg, Va., with Father Belinda, celebrant. Interment will follow with Military Honors at Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, Fire Station #2, 215 Dunlop Farms Blvd., Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.