Theodore Billow

Ted was born in Johnstown, PA to Mary and Michael Billow on August 17, 1941. He was the youngest of ten children. After attending school in Johnstown, he enlisted in the Navy in 1960. He was stationed on an aircraft carrier in the Bay of Pigs invasion and later went on to serve on the USS Kitty Hawk as an electronics technician. He valued his time serving his country and used his knowledge and skills throughout his life.

After leaving the service, he rejoined his family in Macedonia, OH. Ted was loyal, hard-working and dedicated, which was reflected in his career path. Upon his return from the Navy, he began working at the Bedford Gear division of Joy Manufacturing as he would fondly recall “sweeping floors and cleaning the johns”. He worked for the company for over 40 years and advanced through the ranks until his retirement as Plant Manager.

Ted was bit by the gambling bug early in life. He enjoyed playing cards, dice and the ponies. In the mid 1970’s he bought his first standardbred race horse. He enjoyed training, breeding and caring for his horses and could often be found at his farm in Hudson or at Northfield Park. He reached the winner’s circle over a hundred times with ten different horses.

In 1986, he made his first trip to Las Vegas fell in love with the city and everything it had to offer. He made plans to move after his retirement. He bought a home in Las Vegas in 1996 and would split his time between working in Ohio and playing in Las Vegas. After his retirement, he and his companion, Rita Billow, moved to Las Vegas permanently in 2013. He was a regular at the local casinos and enjoyed playing craps. He frequently hosted family and friends trying to escape the cold Ohio winters at his home in Las Vegas. He loved to play tour guide and take his guests to strip casinos, shows and fabulous dinners.

After retirement, Ted enjoyed traveling with Rita; cruising the Caribbean, eating his way through Italy, visiting the Pyramids of Egypt and researching his heritage in Slovenia.

The ultimate “fix-it man”, Ted found pleasure in tinkering. He was always working on a project, fixing an appliance or making repairs around the house.

Ted was generous to a fault. He always made time to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Ted had a lust for learning. He could be found reading books on topics from horse racing to betting craps to investing in the stock market to medical journals. In his 60’s, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and learned to play the piano.

Ted leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Timothy (Pamela) Billow, Dr. Michael (Vicki) Billow, Cassandra (Mike) Feeley, Cynthia Billow and Nancy Billow; great nieces and nephews Nichol Billow, Chase Billow, Dr. Damien (Tracy) Billow, Dr. Megan Billow, Galen (Emily Schaefer) Billow, Melissa (Matt) Cobbs, Brian (fiancée Emily Shepherd) Feeley, Adam Feeley, Logan Billow, and Kyle Billow.

Preceding Ted in death are his lifelong companion Rita Billow; parents Michael Billow and Mary (Sipko); siblings Madalen, Stephen (Rita), Joseph, John, Margaret, Edward, Robert, George, and James.

Private services will be held. Interment will take place in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. The family requests contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.