Theodore Pedas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Theodore “Ted” Pedas, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend of many. Ted passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025. He was 93 years old.

Ted is known throughout the Washington, D.C., area for his generosity, leadership, real estate ventures, love of film and founding the Circle Theatre.

He lived his life fully — a man of deep faith, who profoundly touched many, many lives. His heart was always full of compassion and grace, seeing the best in each of us. He was a true leader, a highly respected voice and a generous mentor, always willing to share his success and his wisdom. Ted helped many launch careers, and his influence and guidance span generations.

Ted was born and raised in Farrell, Pa. His work ethic was established during his formative years working in his parents’ grocery store as a butcher. After graduating from Farrell High School, he spent a summer working in the open-hearth furnace in the steel mill.

Ted graduated from Youngstown State University in 1953 and received his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1954. He then moved to Washington, D.C., to join his brother and best friend, James “Jim” Pedas. While they both attended George Washington University Law School, Ted and Jim became business partners establishing a recording company known as Colt 45 Records. It was during this period that they became involved in the movie industry by purchasing drive-in theatres in West Virginia.

In 1957, they transformed a second-run theatre on Pennsylvania Avenue known as the Circle Theatre into the first full-time repertory house in Washington, D.C. The theatre soon developed a large and loyal audience and became known nationally for its innovative programming of classic film.

Later becoming more involved in film distribution and production, Ted and Jim established Circle Releasing Corporation and the production company, Circle Films, distributing foreign and art films. In 1986, Circle Releasing distributed “Blood Simple,” one of the first films of Joel and Ethan Coen. Circle Films went on to produce the Coen Brothers’ “Raising Arizona,” “Miller’s Crossing” and “Barton Fink.”

Ted was a member of The American Film Institute's Second Decade Council, National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress and the President of the National Association of Theatre Owners of D.C. He was on the Board of Trustees of the Lincoln Theatre Foundation, the board of the Cineplex Odeon Corporation through 1990, a former member of the Board of the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts Fund, The American University's School of Communication's Distinguished Advisory Committee, the board of Film Fest D.C., board member of Snag Films, Inc., emeritus board member of National Association of Theatre Owners and advisory council of the American Film Institute Theatre.

Ted received numerous honors over the years, including Washingtonian of the Year (1973), The American University's Award for Contribution to Film Culture (1985), the Joseph Wharton Award, Wharton School of Business (1988), the ShowEast Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service (2001) and the NATO Marquee Award (2012).

Ted and Jim also established The Theodore and James Pedas Family Professorship in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at George Washington University.

While Ted’s generosity spanned industries and communities, some of his greatest contributions were focused on his faith at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the greater Greek Orthodox community. Ted was a longtime member of the American Hellenic Institute and Leadership 100. He received the distinguished honor of being named an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He would never turn away from what the church needed.

Ted married the love of his life, Lea, on Nov. 13, 1960. They were married for 64 wonderful years. He adored Lea for her devotion and the nurturing love and care she gives to their family. God blessed them with three children, George T. Pedas, William “Billy” T. Pedas and Michele Pedas Assimakopoulos.

Ted is survived by his loving and cherished family: wife Lea; children George, wife Joanna, Billy, wife Kelli, Michele, husband George; grandchildren, Theodore George James Pedas, Paulina Evangeline Pedas, Lia Marie Assimakopoulos, William George Assimakopoulos, James William Pedas and Theodore William Pedas; his brother, Jim, sister-in-law Wanda; and his brother-in-law Michael W. Datch; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th Street, NW, Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 28 beginning with a viewing at 10 a.m. and a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.