Thomas E. Despres

Ted was born on September 30, 1944, in Big Rapids, Michigan, to George Thomas Despres and Margaret Rosemary (Squire) Despres. The oldest of four brothers, he spent his childhood in communities throughout western Michigan.

Ted earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Michigan University and later earned a master’s degree. At WMU, he discovered two things that would shape the rest of his life: pizza and Anne Swiatecki. Ted and Anne began dating before he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Ted served in Vietnam as a light weapons infantryman and attained the rank of Specialist Four. While there, he was severely wounded by a landmine. He lost an arm and underwent extensive surgeries to repair his other injuries and restore as much mobility as possible.

For his service and sacrifice, Ted received the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar.

After a long recovery from his service-related injuries, Ted married Anne Swiatecki on August 22, 1969, in Muskegon, Michigan. Following their wedding, the newlyweds moved to Columbus, Ohio. They shared nearly 50 years of marriage before her death.

Ted resumed the library work he had begun as a teenager. He served as Head of the Central Ohio Bookmobile and spent more than 20 years with the State Library of Ohio before retiring. He also co-authored Long Range Planning for Public Libraries: Writing Goals and Objectives.

Ted and Anne enjoyed Caribbean vacations and Friday nights spent eating pizza and watching movies with the family. They were also known for hosting dinner parties and summer pool parties. Ted took special care with the music, creating playlists to match the guests and the occasion.

Despite all that he endured, Ted was never bitter. He was remembered as kind, dependable, helpful, and generous with both his time and his resources. He regularly supported Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. His support for the Boys & Girls Clubs was especially meaningful because the organization had helped him during his own childhood.

Ted’s four daughters - Danielle, Nicole, Courtney, and Andrea - were a great source of pride to him. He was a generous father who always had a wonderfully bad dad joke ready and could find a song to fit nearly any situation, which he would happily sing out of tune. He was also known for choosing thoughtful birthday cards and writing engaging holiday cards that family members always looked forward to receiving.

Music was one of Ted’s greatest joys. He collected records, loved surf-guitar music, and enjoyed spending hours searching through old vinyl at record stores. He and his daughter Andrea made trips to Pittsburgh for what he called “record bumming.” He also enjoyed discovering and carefully cataloging craft beers. Oktoberfest beers were his favorite, and he searched near and far for new varieties to enjoy throughout the year. He shared that interest with his daughters Courtney and Nicole. Ted also enjoyed soccer. He and Anne played together in an indoor league, and he spent several years coaching Danielle’s soccer team.

He completed several full marathons, including the Columbus Marathon, Honolulu Marathon, and Air Force Marathon, an accomplishment that reflected the determination with which he approached life.

Ted was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the work of Carl Hiaasen. Family members will remember him sitting at the kitchen table with the newspaper, working his way through the crossword puzzle, Sudoku, and anything else that challenged him.

Pizza remained a lifelong favorite, and Pizza House had been his favorite restaurant and a regular gathering place since the 1980s. Some of his happiest moments were spent eating pizza, talking with family and friends, and simply enjoying their company. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday because it brought the family together for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Ted is survived by his daughters, Danielle Despres of Columbus, Nicole Despres of Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan, Courtney Lobert of Gahanna, and Andrea Despres of Columbus; his grandchildren, Oscar Anzai, Austin Anzai, Nina Anzai, Ruby Lobert, and Ella Sarah Lobert; and his brothers, John Despres, Ken Despres, and Rodger Despres.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne (Swiatecki) Despres, and his parents, George and Margaret Despres.

Ted was cremated, and his ashes will be scattered along Lake Michigan near the western Michigan communities where he spent his childhood. No funeral service will be held.

A celebration of Ted’s life will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Pizza House, 747 E. Lincoln Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229. All who knew Ted are welcome to attend and visit with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. The link to donate is below.

https://lssnetworkofhope.org/donate/?appeal=26NHWD081&amount=100&utm_source=26dropdown