John E. Uddstrom

John Edward Uddstrom passed away peacefully on April 3, surrounded by the love of his family, just weeks before his 90th birthday. Though he lived a long and active life, it still feels far too soon.

John approached each day with energy, curiosity, and optimism. He loved staying active and adventurous, spending his life skydiving, hang gliding, biking, traveling, and earning a black belt in Aikido. Even in his final weeks, daily exercise remained part of his routine, often set to jazz classics. When asked how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same: “Fantastic.” It was not just a word for him, but a way of living.

Teaching and connecting with others were central to who John was. For more than fourteen years, he taught fitness classes at the Shaler Library. He welcomed people easily and shared his knowledge generously, finding real joy in helping others feel stronger and more confident.

John was also creative and hardworking. For 40 years, he owned a hair salon, John Uddstrom’s Hair Fashions, in Swissvale.  After “retiring”, he continued to cut hair for clients in their homes. For a time, he volunteered with the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, where he offered his services as an amateur photographer. A lifelong lover of music, he provided publicity pictures for many local musicians and singers. In his earlier years, he played bass on the weekends with different bands. 

John will be remembered most for how he made people feel. He had a natural way of connecting, remembering names, sharing stories, and making others feel seen and welcome wherever he went. Strangers rarely stayed strangers for long around him.

John shared sixty-seven years of marriage with his wife, Dolores (D’Amico) Uddstrom, who passed away three years ago. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family. He is survived by his children Valerie Vogel (Paul Scherrer), John V. Uddstrom, Lori McBurney (Scott, deceased), and Steven C. Uddstrom (Lisa Gretch). He was preceded in death by son, Gregory, brother, Karl and sister, Charlotte (D’Amico). He is also survived by six grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 7th from 2-8 PM at Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw.
A Funeral Service will be on Wednesday the 8th at 10 AM at the Funeral Home.

John showed his family how to live with kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm for each day. He will be deeply missed. A celebration of life will be held on April 19, which would have been his 90th birthday. In keeping with who John was, friends and loved ones are invited to share their stories and memories in writing. These reflections will be gathered and compiled into a book for the family, creating a lasting keepsake of the many lives he touched. With permission, some will be read during his life celebration. More information to come!

In lieu of flowers memorials suggested to Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw, PA 15116 or the East End Cooperative Ministries, 6140 Station St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

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