Theodore John Abderhalden

Theodore John Abderhalden, of Ocean, NJ, Boynton Beach, FL and the towns of Essex, Old Saybrook and finally Madison, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 16. Ted is survived by his wife of 56 years Michele (Griffin), his daughter Jeanne Gade and son-in-law Owen of Old Saybrook, his son Christian and daughter-in-law Shana (Haskell) of Essex, his grandchildren Grace and Gavin Abderhalden of Essex, his brother in laws Robert Griffin of Armonk, NY and Jack Griffin (Sue) of Cross River, NY, his beloved grand-dogs Mason and Captain of Old Saybrook, many cousins and countless numbers of cherished friends.

Ted was born January 13,1940 in Jersey City, NJ to Theodore Sr. and Doris (Feeney). After his time at St. Peters Prep boys high school Ted went on to a life of hard work, bouncing around jobs before finding his place as a house painter, going on to own and operate Abbey’s Painting throughout the 80’s and 90’s in Bergen County, NJ. Later in life Ted and Michele took full advantage of the hot real estate market and had great success buying, moving into and then quickly selling properties in northern New Jersey and the Jersey Shore.

In the Summer of 1966 while spending weekends at the shore towns of Belmar and Spring Lake Ted met Michele, and they later married in January of 1969. They settled in northern New Jersey and soon after welcomed Jeanne. Four years later Christian arrived and the family moved to Ridgefield where they stayed until retirement in the late 1990’s. Moving to Ocean, NJ meant Ted could take full advantage of his favorite pastime, sitting on the beach and enjoying the ocean. Even in his later years, no one could ride a wave like Ted.

After years of living the snowbird life Ted and Michele could no longer resist and finally moved to Florida full time in 2010. The town of Boynton Beach was never the same. Ted and his friends would gather on the beach during the day and the party would continue at night in one of their many regular spots in town or back at their house, where they were known for elaborate dinner parties and guaranteed good times.

In addition to Florida, Ted’s retirement years were filled with constant travel. He and Michele explored the world, oftentimes with friends in tow. Ted’s global adventures took him to six continents and over 40 countries.

Ted’s life was full of so much joy, no more so when he was in the company of his family, especially his grandkids. Opa, as he was called, took being a grandfather very seriously and he and Michele spent just about every holiday, winter trips in Florida and Summers along the Connecticut shoreline with Grace and Gavin. Ted was a true patriarch of the family, and the legacy he leaves behind will be with us forever.

The last years of Ted’s life were not easy, but his amazing personality and that smile made it easier for us all. The family would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the staff at Harbor Chase in Madison, especially all of Ted’s friends in the Cove where he was affectionately known as “Theodorable”, and the staff at Yale New Haven Hospice. And finally, we would like to acknowledge and thank Ted’s personal aid Angela. Angela has been by Ted’s side around the clock these last nine months of his life. The level of care, respect and kindness Angela and these organizations showed Ted through his illness should be a reminder to us all that there is so much good in this world.

A Funeral Mass at Saint John’s Church, 161 Main Street in Old Saybrook will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM followed by a gathering of friends and family at the Saybrook Point Inn.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Ted’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Alzheimer's Association. To share a memory of Ted or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.