Obituary of Theodore TED Theodores

Theodore (Ted) Peter Theodores, 89, of Charlton, Massachusetts, passed away on December 24, 2024. Ted was born in Dudley, MA in 1935 to Peter and Francine Theodores, who immigrated from Greece in 1921. He grew up with humble beginnings and went on to lead a life of remarkable achievements, professional success, and extensive travel, inspiring many along the way. Ted earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1958 and an MBA from Babson College in 1967. In 1958, he married Louise Guilmette in Webster, and they raised two children, Denise and Matthew, in Sudbury, MA. Ted began his career at Heald Machine Company in Worcester before joining Polaroid in 1962 as a service engineer. Over the years, he advanced through the company, ultimately becoming Director of Industrial and Technical Products. In 1985, he retired from Polaroid and joined EG&G, Inc. in Wellesley as Director of Corporate Business Development, managing venture capital investments, mergers, acquisitions, and government contracts. He served on the technical advisory board of the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral and was involved with several early-stage technology companies. He retired in 1998 as Vice President of Business Development at EG&G and President of EG&G Ventures. In addition to his professional career, Ted had a deep commitment to service. He served in the Massachusetts National Guard for 12 years, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In midlife, he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a pilot and earned his pilot’s license, going on to serve more than 15 years as a Mission Pilot Flight Instructor with the Civil Air Patrol. In 2003, he earned his Captain’s License from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine Officer, further pursuing his love for boating. Ted was a hard worker, driven by a passion for excellence in everything he did, and his “can-do” attitude inspired those around him. Above all, Ted valued family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and role model, always expressing gratitude for the blessings in his life. After retiring, Ted moved to Cape Cod, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, tennis, and painting. In 2009, he founded Friends of Barnstable Harbor, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the harbor he loved, and served as President during the organization's initial years. Ted was an active Freemason, achieving the degree of Master Mason at Webster Lodge in 1957 and further advancing to the 32nd Degree level in the Valley of Worcester Scottish Rite in 1968. He was a member of several lodges on Cape Cod, while he served as Masonic Ambassador and District Service Officer. Ted is survived by his former wife, Louise, of Falmouth, ME; his children Denise (Andrew Rodwin) of Acton, MA, and Matthew (Ellen) of Cumberland Foreside, ME; sister Eleanor Davies; grandchildren Noah, Dana, Peter, Sam, Christopher, and Nicholas; and a loving extended family. He was predeceased by his brother Louis. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m., with a wake on Tuesday, January 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., both at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 37 Lake Parkway, Webster, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (https://www.schwebster.org); or Friends of Barnstable Harbor (https://www.friendsofbarnstableharbor.org); or Masonic Health System (https://www.overlook-mass.org/support-overlook/).