Ted was born July 8, 1927 in College Point, New York to Waclaw and Sophie Wichrowski. He was a first generation American and attended Flushing High School where he met Dorothy “Dot” Nocera. As many young men of his time, Ted left high school before graduation and joined the U.S. Navy, May 24, 1945. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre during WWII and was awarded three medals. Flushing High School later recognized Ted’s contribution to the war effort with an honorary diploma.
After the war, Ted returned to Long Island to hone his skills as a butcher. He married Dot on May 14, 1950 and they eventually settled in West Sayville where Dot was a homemaker for their three children, Rich, Laurie and Teddy, who suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. Dot and Ted became advocates for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and active in the local MDA Telethon fundraising efforts. Ted also established Spotless Cleaners, an office and window cleaning business. During this time he was involved with the Sayville Kiwanis Club and developed lifelong friendships.
In 1979, Ted and family moved to Austin, Texas in hopes of a more favorable climate for Teddy. Ted was a manager for Lone Star Meat Co., and in later years he worked with Dot in their home day care business where they provided care and love to numerous infants for more than 25 years.
Ted was a lifelong baseball fan. He and Dot were longtime supporters of the Round Rock Express, and the two rarely missed a home game since 2001. Ted continued to attend Express home games after Dot’s passing in 2011.
Ted will be most remembered for his sense of humor. As family and friends will attest, “Papa” would often disappear during a public outing only to be found sharing one or more of his well-rehearsed jokes with total strangers. He often remarked that making someone smile was one of the most worthwhile things in life.
Ted is survived by his son Richard of Austin; daughter and son-in-law Lorraine and Catrell Wicker of Llano; grandchildren Jason Austin of Austin; Desiree Hofman of Houston; Ted, Keith, and Steven Wichrowski of New York; and great granddaughter Chloe Wichrowski of New York.
Ted was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy; his two sons Robert and Teddy; his parents Waclaw and Sophie; and his brothers William and Henry Wichrowski.
A Celebration of Ted's Life will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 5, 2018 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Ted will be laid to rest by his beloved Dot following the Celebration at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.
As a tribute to Ted’s love of baseball his family would like you to wear your favorite baseball shirt or cap to the service.
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