Dave Ulp, 82
DOVER - Dave Ulp passed away at home on Monday, December 18, 2023.
For those who were lucky enough to know Dave, they know how much he loved life and how he lived it to the fullest.
Dave was born January 24, 1941, in Rochester, New York to the late Reverend George E. Ulp and Eva Haines Ulp. While young, he enjoyed years of family adventures and spent summers at the family's Bluebird cottage on Seneca Lake in Upstate New York where he and his siblings made countless memories.
Dave attended Monroe High School where he was Senior Class President, on the Swim team, and First Violin. He then went on to Bucknell University where he majored in Civil Engineering.
His professional career began by serving six years as a civil engineer in the United States Navy. After his military service, he worked for Playtex in Dover as a civil engineer. After working for a large corporation, Dave decided to become an entrepreneur. He owned and operated the Country Pantry restaurant in Dover for many successful years until he wanted to try something new (again). He entered the real estate business as an agent for Burns and Ellis where he stayed until he retired.
Dave loved all people and had the gift of gab. He always saw the good in people and his warm smile could light up a room. Dave was always willing to lend a hand, give a compliment, crack a joke, and make people feel welcome. He excelled in anything he tried. Dave played the piano and was an avid golfer, swimmer, snow and water skier, and tennis player. He loved to be by the water's edge, whether at the beach or lakeside enjoying the views and playing with his grandchildren. Dave was a kid at heart. He enjoyed his travels with his wife Susan, family, and friends, from Viking cruises to Motorcycle trips to flyfishing in Maine to family vacations in Lewes and Keuka Lake. He treasured his time with loved ones doing a multitude of life experiences.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Beaulieu, his sister Ruth Thompson, and his son Christopher David Ulp. Dave is survived by his wife of 15 years, Susan Keller of Dover; daughter, Stephanie Ulp Sturmfels (Jon) of Wilmington; sister Kay Walker (Dave) of Longboat Key, Florida; brother, Jim Ulp (Vera) of The Villages, Florida; mother of his children and former wife, Donna Ulp; grandchildren Natalie and David Ulp, Madison and Leah Sturmfels as well as a host of extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Dave's Life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd., Dover. Family and friends may visit from 10 am to 11 am. For those unable to attend the funeral service there will be a livestream on www.torbertfuneral.com, it can be found under the "Upcoming Livestreams" tab and viewed by clicking on his or her name.
Dave's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Delaware Hospice and to family and friends who have kept Dave in their thoughts and prayers during his battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Dave would be happiest knowing we honor him by performing random acts of kindness.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Dave's memory to Delaware Hospice at delawarehospice.org.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com