Frank Thomas Ulrich "Tom", 87, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2023, at home, after a period of declining health related to kidney disease. His wife and two daughters were with him. Known as Tom by most, he was born in Mechanicsburg, PA, to Frank Traver Ulrich and Elsie Shellenberger Ulrich.

Tom grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA, and graduated from Mechanicsburg Area High School in 1953. During his high school days, Tom’s Boy Scout leader recruited him for a summer job in the kitchen at a camp for children with disabilities, operated by what is now the Easter Seal Society, in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Thus began a life-long commitment to working with persons with disabilities. He later moved on to other positions at the camp and it was there at Camp Daddy Allen, that he met Sandy, who became his wife for 64 wonder years of marriage.

Following high school, Tom entered Pennsylvania State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army in 1957. At Penn State he was a member of the marching and concert Blue Bands, served as President of his Delta Chi fraternity chapter, and organized a program of recreational swimming for children with disabilities under the auspices of the Centre County Easter Seal Society.

Following graduation from Penn State, Tom earned a certificate in Physical Therapy from The University of Pittsburgh and then reported to active duty with the Army at Brooke General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. Tom and Sandy married in 1959 and spent the first 2 years of their marriage at Fort Sam Houston where their daughter Susan was born. After active duty he continued as an Active Reserve member in the Army Medical Service Corps, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel after 20 years of service.

Following separation from the Army in 1961, Tom accepted a position in New Castle, PA, as a physical therapist and Executive Director for a small outpatient rehabilitation program, continuing the relationship with the Easter Seal Society that began as a summer camp kitchen helper and continued for 43 years until his retirement in 1994. Daughter Ellen was born while Tom and Sandy were in New Castle. It was here, too, that Tom first joined a Rotary Club, beginning a happy membership lasting for more than 61 years.

In 1965 the Connecticut Easter Seal Society recruited him to organize and implement an outpatient program in Southeastern Connecticut. The program grew to include 85 staff in three facilities with national accreditation. Tom was a member of the National Easter Seal Executives Association and active in the local community, serving on the Boards of several organizations and agencies. He continued his affiliation with Rotary, including a term as President of the Norwich (CT) club and earning the first of two Paul Harris Fellow awards during this time. During this period, he earned a Master of Business Administration in the Executive Program of The University of New Haven in 1979. Tom coached his daughters’ softball teams and taught them the finer points of ping pong and tennis, although neither ever mastered his left-hand serve.

Following retirement, Tom and Sandy settled on Cape Cod and Kings Way in Yarmouth Port. Tom became a volunteer with the Senior AmeriCorps; with the Cape Cod Baseball League; and with the Yarmouth Rotary Club, which gave him great satisfaction. He learned to play golf and enjoyed many hours on the course with Sandy, the men’s leagues, and a treasured group of friends. He and Sandy were frequent travelers, throughout the US and around the world. Sandy planned and Tom went, sometimes protesting – until the trip was underway, when he enthusiastically embraced each experience. Tom and Sandy moved to Heatherwood in Kings Way in 2018, where they enjoyed new friendships and activities. Tom’s greatest joy and constant pride were his daughters and four grandchildren. He often talked about the exceptional privilege it was to be part of their lives. He was a fan of all things sport, particularly his beloved Nittany Lions.

Tom was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter Susan Moffett of Charlottesville, VA; daughter Ellen and son-in-law J. David Sullivan of Belmont, MA; grandchildren Caitlin Ellis (Ryan) of Arlington, MA; David U. Sullivan, of Dorchester, MA; Emily Moffett of Baltimore, MD; and Mary Moffett of Boone, NC. He also is survived by his sister, Patricia Ritter of Blue Bell, PA; sister-in-law Tricia Reimer of Camp Hill, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

At Tom’s request, there will be no formal services. The family plans a celebration of life later. Those who wish to mark Tom’s life in some way may choose to donate to the Rotary Foundation (P.O. Box 448, So. Yarmouth, MA 02664) or the Yarmouth Food Pantry (P.O. Box 982, West Yarmouth, MA 02673).

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Knowing he is not in pain and at peace. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.