Stephen (Steve) Emanuel Ullman
Stephen Emanuel Ullman of Wynnewood, PA and formerly New Haven, CT, died Monday night, May 18, 2026 at Lankenau Hospital, due to complications from injuries sustained in a fall.
Steve was born the third child of Jacqueline & Emanuel Ullman on December 27, 1944 in Wilmington, DE. He grew up next door to a dairy farm in then-rural Hockessin. He received his BA in Speech & Drama, with minors in Music and English from Morningside College, Sioux City, IA. He did graduate studies in theatre at the University of Delaware, where he met the love of his life, Theresa Brubaker, whom he wed June 21, 1975.
His career path included professional theatre and public television, culminating in over thirty years at ESPN as an Operations Unit Manager. He was respected as a talented professional, caring boss, generous colleague, and engaging and effective mentor. After retirement in 2007, he continued as a contractor for ESPN for another ten years.
Stephen had a passion for social justice and was proud to have escorted his mother on the 1963 March on Washington, present among the thousands gathered on the National Mall for Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech.
Steve loved his whole extended family and was loved in return. The words of one nephew speak for many: "Umple Steve of the Rough'm Snuff'ms was always the fun uncle for me as a child. And his kindness and intelligence and positive presence at family gatherings continued ever after." In retirement, he gardened, traveled widely, tutored elementary students in reading fluency, and ensured that many students over the years enjoyed a magical visit from Santa Claus to their classrooms. Above all, he loved music, singing over the years in Atlanta's Robert Shaw Chorale, the New Haven Chorale, and Philadelphia's Mendelssohn Chorus.
On the occasion of their Golden Anniversary last June, Steve and Terry threw a great party. They regarded it as their Final Big Bash-their Celebration of Life. Steve was overjoyed to spend this time with dear family and friends.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Theresa Brubaker Ullman, their sons Benjamin and Jesse Ullman, Ben's wife Suzanne Ullman, their daughter Alexandra Ullman and son Jacob Ullman, brother Richard L Ullman, sister-in-law Katherine B. Davies, brother-in-law George J Brubaker, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. His sister Sara U Talley preceded him in death.
Those wishing to celebrate Steve's life further may do so by making a Memorial Gift to his beloved Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia: www.mcchorus.org
NOTE: In addition to the option of donating to the MC of Philadelphia, Steve’s family invites friends to make a donation to EC-GNH in lieu of flowers – made in Steve’s name.
