Teddy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. His boundless generosity, optimism, and loyalty, as well as his strong work ethic, will be missed and treasured by his family and friends. Teddy himself considered his life to be full of blessings.
Teddy was born on April 24, 1940, in Manhattan, New York. By the time he was 15 years old, he had lost both his parents. But he had the good fortune of a devoted older sister, Eileen Vaught, who, together with her husband, William Vaught, cared for him in the years after his parents’ passing. As a teenager living in New York City, he enjoyed roller derby and boxing; indeed, he participated in the Golden Gloves, an annual competition for amateur boxers.
As a young man, he was gifted with good luck a second time when, hitchhiking in Massapequa, New York, he was picked up by a young woman; that woman was Josephine LoGiudici, whom he would marry a few years later on September 13, 1964.
Together, they raised a family and started a small business, T&J Leasing. He drove a truck cross country; she managed the business and children back at home. The business was successful, and, in fact, it would allow him to send all three of his children to college and, in doing so, enable the first generation of Sturiales to receive a higher education.
Teddy was an active member of his community. He was a parishioner at Saint Clare Catholic Church for more than twenty years and a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving with distinction in the Honor Guard of his Assembly. In earlier years, he was a member of the Sons of Italy and various local antique car clubs, and, as his business grew, he supported a number of local civic events and children’s recreational sports teams. He also enjoyed playing games—especially cards—and opening his home to friends and family. He could strike up a conversation with almost anyone.
After his wife passed away in January 2017, Teddy was blessed a third time when, unable to live on his own, he returned to living with his sister, along with his niece.
A proud Italian-American New Yorker, Teddy spoke loudly, but his actions always spoke louder. His deeds followed his words, and he always led by example. He made those around him feel empowered—that anything was possible with hard work and dedication. And he reminded all those he encountered throughout his life that we all put our pants on the same way: one leg at a time.
He is survived by his children, Lisa Fisher (Gayne), Jennifer Sturiale (Duncan Brenan), and Theodore Sturiale (Amy); eight grandchildren; and his sister Eileen Vaught.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Clare Catholic Church in Deltona, Florida, on Thursday, July 11 at 10 a.m., followed by entombment at Deltona Memorial Gardens in Orange City and a reception at his sister’s house. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dementia Society of America: https://www.dementiasociety.org/.
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