Theodore Roosevelt Powell Jr.

The eldest of four children, Ted was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 19, 1929, to Theodore Roosevelt Powell Sr. and Gladys Elizabeth Powell (Turner). The Great Depression hit Chicago particularly hard. As Ted would often tell it, “We moved every time the rent was due. It was the same for everyone- we all had nothing and shared everything we had. We made do or went without.” In those early years, the search for work and a better life found the family constantly on the move to parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Connecticut. On more than one occasion, Ted suggested that this early part of his life must have been the inspiration for the song, “I’ve Been Everywhere Man.” During a brief residency in Niantic Connecticut, Ted attended Niantic Center School for second grade. Swimming at Crescent Beach and riding bikes at Rocky Neck. Ted believed that in Niantic, he’d found heaven on earth.

His work ethic and desire to serve his country led to him enlisting in the Navy where he attained the rank of Fire Control Technician. He proudly served on the USS Mullaney (DD-528), a Fletcher-class destroyer, during the Korean War.

On July 4, 1952, Ted wed Doris Ann Chesbro. The couple would eventually settle in Niantic, Connecticut where they would raise their three children, Ted III, Terry, and Darlene. Separated from his wife, in 1988, Ted moved to Preston, Connecticut where he was an actively involved in local government, serving on various committees, and acting as Moderator during town elections. In 2019, Ted would move to Florida to be closer to his daughter.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Ted found civilian employment at Electric Boat (E.B.) division of General Dynamics as a “tin knocker,” and proud member of Boilermakers Local 614 (Groton, Connecticut). He began his career working on the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) and quickly advanced into management. Ted was among the first group of employees to participate in the Cornerstone program where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Ship Building Management. After over 31 years of dedicated service, Ted retired from EB in 1982. His retirement was short lived as he briefly worked for Thames Valley Steel in New London Connecticut and eventually, accepted a position as a Civil Construction Inspector with the Department of Defense, stationed at the Groton New London Subbase. Among the many projects he oversaw in this capacity, was the construction of the USS Nautilus Submarine Force Library and Museum.

Ted lived with his Uncle Omer and Aunt Mae while he attended high school in Medaryville, Indiana. He excelled in athletics, lettering in Basketball and playing baseball on the town team as well as traveling teams throughout the Mid-west. His long-held dream of playing professional baseball gave way to his desire to serve his country in the Navy. He remained an athlete, playing baseball with the Fishermen team in Niantic and simultaneously playing for the Electric Boat Athletic Club where he would be named Athlete of the Year in the later 1960’s. Ted found great joy in teaching his son’s how to play baseball too. He coached little league and found it rewarding to see each youngster develop into the best player that they were able to be. While said in jest, it was true that the only women Ted was ever truly faithful and devoted to were the women of the Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team- Ted loved them all for over 40 years! He proudly never missed seeing the women play and was able to cheer them on in person when they beat the University of South Florida in Tampa on February 16, 2020.

Ted loved a good story and was an avid reader. Louis L’Amour topped his lengthy list of favorite authors. For Ted, the only thing better than reading a good western was watching a full-length movie adaptation, preferably one starring his favorite actor, John Wayne.

In 1948, Ted saw “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” film and it began a lifelong obsession of planning a trip from the Sea of Cortez across Mexico into the remote Sierra Madre mountains and the Copper Canyon. In 2019, in celebration of his 90th birthday, Ted found himself staring out at the Sea of Cortez as he made his way to Los Mochis Mexico where his journey into the Sierra Madre would begin. In El Fuente (the birthplace of Zorro) Ted would board El Chepe, the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway that would carry him back in time to a dream that began in 1948. His motto: “Never give up on your dreams, never stop dreaming.”

Ted spent the final two years of his life as a member of The Fountains Independent Living Community in South Pasadena Florida. During 2020 Ted was embracing everything life had to offer. He rediscovered how it felt to fall in love, when he met Marilyn Flynn. Together they spent Covid lockdown getting to know each other, enjoying walks around the pond, watching sunsets over Boca Ciega Bay, playing pool with their friends, and watching John Wayne movies on GRIT! In the end, Ted had found happiness and a lasting love.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife Doris (Chesbro), his sister Patricia Madaus (Powell) and brother Harold “Butch” Powell. He is survived by his sons, Theodore R. Powell III (Nancy) of Oakdale, Connecticut, Terry W. Powell of Lisbon, Connecticut and a daughter Darlene A. Powell (Lisa) of Largo, Florida; Grandchildren Kristina, Teddy, Marty, Heather, Elizabeth, and Zach; Great-grandchildren Chloe, Violet, Richard, Maureen, and Orion; Brother O. Martin Powell of East Lyme, Connecticut. And many nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

As a child of the Great Depression, Ted believed that you should keep your money in your pocket. He would not want anyone to spend money on flowers! He would, however, be grateful for any donations that you may wish to make in lieu of flowers, to the American Cancer Society.

A graveside service will be held in Theodore's honor December 13th, 2021 at 12pm. This service will be located at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, 317 bow lane, Middletown, CT 06457. Teds family would like to extend an invitation to all who would like to attend.