Ted J. Theodore

Ted J. Theodore, age 95 (and a half!), fell peacefully asleep in the Lord on January 7, 2025 after a beautiful, robust, vibrant and extraordinary life. Ted, the artist supreme, the sports enthusiast, the determined runner, the championer of all those striving for greatness, and supporter and coach of all who needed love and support, lived his life to the fullest day by day, reeling in the present hour by hour like each day was a treasure.

Ted loved to laugh and he loved to love and be loved. He reveled in fun times with a heart so big and personality to match. After losing his dad tragically at the age of 7, he took on the mantle of caretaker, breadwinner and life coach, first for his family, and then for many around him.

His mentoring and support for so many in his path, especially his beloved art students and team athletes, created loyal friendships which existed throughout the years.

Ted dreamed to behold the sacred in life and art, and he expressed his inner love of nature and beauty through his brush and canvas.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 16, 1929 to James & Anna Theodore, he attended the famed East Tech High School and then Baldwin-Wallace College along with Western Reserve University for graduate work. He majored in art and physical education with a minor in the sciences. His goal was to teach high school art and to coach cross country and track and he was successful in these endeavors. Many of his students went on to art schools and very successful careers in their discipline.

Ted had successful careers at Berea, Midpark and Euclid High schools, and his students were indebted to him for his enthusiastic approach to teaching and coaching. He also coached the BW track team to an undefeated season and the All Ohio AAU Championships in 1951.

Ted has been selected to many Halls of Fame including the East Tech, the Greater Cleveland, the Baldwin-Wallace College and the Cleveland Sports Legends Hall of Fame. Following successful coaching careers in high school and college, Ted also coached the men and women for the Ft. Knox track team. He helped found the Registered Track Officials organization and served for 50 years, in addition to announcing and organizing many of the larger meets in Ohio.

Along with his wife Irene, Ted was instrumental in starting the Greek Orthodox Summer Camp program. As well, they initiated the first IOCC chapter in Ohio for the International Orthodox Christian Charities and Ted was honored to receive the designation of Archon.

Ted recently proposed the new Olympic Plaza for the city of Cleveland to honor the 99 and more USA Olympic athletes from the local area.

He has won countless awards for his paintings, drawings and portraits.

Ted has been an avid sports fan on every level and especially scholastic and collegiate competition and loved to try out as many golf courses as possible.

After a long career of teaching, he transitioned to Alumni Director at Baldwin Wallace and enjoyed traveling the country representing the Alumni and the university.

He leaves his brother, George; children, Helene (Fr. Jerry Hall), Claire (Fr. Chris Foustoukos), T.J (Amanda), and Scott (Sophia); grandchildren, Mark (Gustavo), Scott (Kira), Jerry (Laura), Luke (Sarah), Peter, David (Abigail), Matthew, Anna, Lexi, Steven (Mackenzie), Tiffany (fiance Greg) and

Christopher (fiancee Amanda); and great grandchildren, Ethan, Elliana, Levi, Theo and Luna.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. SUNDAY January 12th at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St in Akron, where a Trisagion service will take place at 6 P.M. Funeral Service 9:30 A.M. MONDAY January 13th at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Cleveland Heights. Interment will follow at St. Theodosius Orthodox Cemetery in Brooklyn, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ted’s memory may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, or International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).