Joseph James Ulinski

We are sad to say that Joseph James Ulinski, 64, of Toledo, OH passed away April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday, after a brief illness, having been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.

He was born September 17, 1961, to Karl R. Ulinski and Marcella A. (Zientek) Ulinski.

Joe was a retired roofer, an avid fisherman and boater and a serious gardener and canner. He loved biking, camping, reading, watching old westerns, attending outdoor concerts, the outdoors (the hotter the better!), cooking, especially grilling, and working with wood. Joe was a great athlete and musician who was passionate about music, particularly Neil Young and the Eagles. He loved playing guitar and singing at home, at parties and especially at church. He played the folk Mass at St. Hedwig Catholic Church for years until it closed, and continued to play with the Ulinski Folk Group at St. Michael's Catholic Church, where he had attended grade school, and Mass for his whole life.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and most recently, his oldest brother David A. (Suzanne) Ulinski.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted companion of 16 years, Kathleen Evans; his oldest daughter, Jennifer Bennett and her daughter, Baylah Close of Greenville, TN; his son, Joseph Jr. (Taylor) Ulinski and grandson, Jonah James Ulinski; and his daughter, Amanda (Jesten) Waterson, granddaughters Paisley, Aubree (Jeffers), Stella Nova and grandson, Shadd. Also surviving are his siblings, Mark (Paula) Ulinski, Matthew (Jodi) Ulinski, Christopher Ulinski and Mary Catherine (Allen) Cook along with many nieces and nephews, and his much loved dogs, Gemma Ray and Jackie.

Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 420 Sandusky Street, Toledo, OH 43611, Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the school hall.