Theodore Vitaro, Jr., 79, of Wooster passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare.
Ted was born on March 1, 1943 in Wooster the son of Theodore Sr and Juanita Thompson Vitaro. On September 23, 1972, he married Susan Blanchard Vitaro, celebrated 50 years together. She survives.
He was a graduate from Wooster High School class of 1962. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. Ted had worked at John’s Union 76, Neiss Body, Orrville Products and 25 years at North End Garage until retiring in 2003.
He enjoyed bass fishing for many years at area lakes and was the president of Tri County Bassmasters. Ted also enjoyed camping at Apple Valley.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother Jim (Judy) Vitaro; nephew Jimmy Vitaro; niece Cindy McClure; great nieces Hanna and Gabby and great nephew Hunter; in-laws Linda (Charlie) Bratton, Donald (Louise) Blanchard, John (Alice) Blanchard, Sandy (Leonard) Mickley, Marlene (Peter) Yeldell, Ed (Monica) Blanchard and Rose (Pat) Sullivan and their families.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster with Father Stephen Moran and Rev. Dr. Kevan Franklin officiating. Interment will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Friends will be received by the family Monday, February 6, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolence maybe left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
“Death is just another step along life’s changing way,
No more than just a gateway to a new and better day,
And parting from our loved one is much easier to bear,
When we know that they are waiting for us to join them there.
And none need make this journey undirected or alone,
For God promised us safe passage to this vast and great unknown.
So, let your grief be softened, and yield not to despair.
You have only placed your loved one in the loving Father’s care.” -HSR
Our condolences to the Blanchard and Vitaro families.
My wife Sue and I have had a few times that seeing Teddy coming down the road in the blue wrecker was a beautiful sight!
Ted was a person to remember,will be missed.
Ted and I go back about 50 years, after we met at Johns Union 76. Over the years we did a lot of business together, had some dealings with motorcycles, fished together with our friends in the bass club, worked a little with the boy scouts as well Boys Village. Teddy put forth maximum effort in all he was involved with. Truly a friend. It was an honor knowing him and he will be missed a lot.
Teddy was a great guy and definitely will be missed! We have lots of North End Garage stories to always remember him. So glad the boys had a chance to learn some fishing skills from him. Prayers for all.
Ted was a super nice guy I got the pleasure to meet when I drove for North End Garage. Went fishing a few times together he caught all the fish lol. R.I.P Teddy
Teddy was a great guy. He talked me into joining the Bass Club many years ago. Those were some of the most memorable fishing trips I’ve had. Teddy worked hard to make them enjoyable and worked hard to make the annual Boys Village fishing and picnic experience special for the boys.
Teddy will be missed very much.
Sorry for your loss, I remember TED from as a really nice guy.
Condolences to Ted’s Family. I became acquainted with Ted while he was at North End showing up on accident scenes during my time at Ohio Power. He could always figure out how to remove a vehicle from a pole or ditch from difficult location’s especially during miserable conditions at night while not getting hit by other moving traffic never complaining. We often had conversations when we met over the years about our experiences. North End Garage has lost another Great Retiree and will be remembered by those who knew him.
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family.
Uncle Ted what can I say you were there more times I can count. Going fishing you always hooked those slimes things for me, helped me real them in what I caught and laughed when I threw the poor thing back into the water. You took me waterskiing, and on boat rides, watched fire works at Apple Vally, and you bailed me out of every ditch I Buried my car in, just shaking your head and laughing. Telling me to slow down and be careful, well I’m still working on it. Lol But most of all you were always there with your teddy bear hugs, and always made me feel loved 🥰 I will miss those hugs most of all. Love you bunches!!
So sorry to learn of Ted’s passing. A true gentleman, kind & helpful. My deepest sympathy to his family & friends. Peace to your hearts.