Joseph Uliase Jr.

MERIDEN - Joseph Uliase Jr., fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. Joseph was the beloved husband and best friend of Ellen (Hanley) Uliase.

Joseph was born on Aug. 25, 1949, to the late Joseph and Helen (Butcka) Ulaise and lived in Meriden his entire life. He graduated from Maloney High School and Wilcox Technical School post grad program. Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, as a Boatswains Mate 1st class on the USS Ticonderoga and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendations Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Gallantry Cross.

Joe was employed by Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, as a master welder for over 30 years. Joe was an active member of the SS. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Meriden. He faithfully served in every capacity as a trustee, cemetery committee chairman, and as a member of the SS. Peter and Paul Brotherhood Society. Joe was also an alumnus of the Boys Club, a former Boy Scout advisor, and a USS Ticonderoga Veterans Association member.
Joe was a kind, decent, simple man. He was a wonderful friend, neighbor, brother, father, and husband. Joe believed in family, country, and his God.

Besides his wife Ellen of 32 years, he is survived by his cherished son, Joseph William Uliase, of Meriden; his beloved brother, Ronnie Isador Uliase, of Killingworth; a special sister-in-law, Kathy Pederolini and her husband, Albert, of Meriden, who was Joe's "coffee buddy"; his brother-in-law, William Hanley, of New York; his aunt, Phylis Lukashevich, of Wallingford; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a special nephew, Max Caplin. Joe is also survived by his church family and a special group of lifelong friends whose prayers support and love lifted us up.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 4, at 9:15 a.m., from the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden, and at 10 a.m. in SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church for the funeral liturgy. Burial with military honors will be in SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, June 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Panikhida vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Endowment or Charity Fund, P.O. Box 334 Meriden, CT 06450.

The family would like to thank all of the healthcare workers who touched his life with kindness and hope during his illness and especially the staff on Wooster 4 at Masonicare. "Death is not extinguishing the light. It is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come." www.jferryfh.com