Costantino Uli

Obituary Costantino Uli, 90, of Plains, MT and formerly from Fontana, CA, peacefully passed away at his home, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Uli, as most knew him by, was a dreamer and entrepreneur, forever working on his many projects. Uli was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and loyal friend to many others. He always had a kind word for everyone he met and was always willing to listen and share interesting stories. Uli loved God and country and was a true patriot. He came back to his faith in the Catholic Church in 2023 which was a great source of peace for him.

He was born September 23, 1934, in Independence, LA. At the age of eight he moved with his family, Father and Mother, Nick, Tina and brother Ross, to Los Angeles and then Fontana, CA. After graduating High School, he served in both the Navy and Air Force. In 1957 he married Vera Burchell and had four children and raised them in Fontana. After serving in the military Uli became an electrician by trade for 20+ years until he retired and then became an entrepreneurial land developer. Uli & Vera divorced after 30 years of marriage. Uli & Vera divorced after 30 years of marriage. In 1988 he married Diane Crush. Uli and Diane were married for 10+ years then divorced.

Uli enjoyed family gatherings with the many relatives in the Southern California area which would consist of Italian sausage making parties during the holidays with many aunts, uncles and cousins at Grandma and Grandpas house. There are many fond memories of Sundays together with family and the Traditional Italian Sunday Dinners that were always so much fun. Uli, being very compassionate to the less fortunate of the world, would try to help in any small way. In lieu of vacations, Uli would much prefer to gather the family for a trip to Utah to bring clothes to people in need on the reservations. Uli was devoted to his parents and brother until they died. He always made sure that his children learned how to be resourceful and to learn how to cook! Uli was a great cook and enjoyed good food and the company of family and friends.

As a grandfather and great-grandfather, Uli, while in CA, would enjoy having his grandchildren to visit in the high desert during the summers and teach them to shoot. He was able to meet all his great-grandchildren. Uli was a voracious reader and particularly enjoyed scientific type books and many other genres. As he would say, "Reading develops a fertile mind."

Uli truly enjoyed the people of Plains, MT and called so many of them his close friends, most especially Mary Johnson, whom he was particularly close to for many years until her passing. He relished making his rounds at multiple businesses and his church for coffee, cookies and some friendly chat. It was a great source of peace and joy for him, especially in his last days.

Uli is survived by his four children: Susan Uli, Linda Smith (Ed), Nick Uli and Margaret English, two stepdaughters: Connie Henyan (Mitch) and Tina Moss (Mike). Uli was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Calvin MacLean (J.J.), Evan MacLean (Mandy), Miranda MacLean (Pete), Nicole Fiorella (Dionisio II), Anthony Piccoli, Wesley Smith (Katie), Benjamin Smith (Stevie), Christine Smith and seven great-grandchildren: Mera MacLean, Maddie Brauch, Kenzie Brauch, Dionisio Fiorella III, Isla Smith, Luca Fiorella and Lirael MacLean.

Ulis life is a testimony to the power in believing that anything is possible. He will be remembered for his kindness to everyone he met. He will be missed by so many.

5/15/2025 5pm Vigil Service & Rosary, St. James Catholic Church, Plains, MT

5/16/2025 11am Funeral Mass, St. James Catholic Church, Plains, MT

5/16/2025 12:30pm Burial/Military Honors, Plains Cemetery

5/16/2025 1pm Reception VFW Chapter 3596, Plains, MT