In the months after Pearl Harbor, while still in high school, at the age of 17, like many other young men of the day Ted and several of his friends went to Perth Amboy to enlist in the Marine Corps. Ted earned a position as a member the 1st Marine Raider Battalion (Edson’s Raiders), widely recognized as the first special forces in the United States military. They fought exclusively in the Pacific Theater. Ted trained at Parris Island and then fought in Guam among many other places in the South Pacific. While serving in Guam he was on combat patrol with eleven other Marines. One of them stepped on a land-mine and was killed instantly. As a result of the explosion Ted was blown off the side of a hill and suffered severe injuries. Both legs were broken, both shoulders were dislocated, and a hip was fractured. He was sent to recover on a hospital ship and was honorably discharged in 1945.
Ted attended Seton Hall University on the GI Bill and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biology and Chemistry. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Education Administration from Columbia University. With a grant from the National Science Foundation he earned an additional Masters degree in Basic Sciences from the University of Colorado.
He taught in Pelham and at Marymount College. He was managing editor of My Weekly Reader, published by American Education Publications, and was Director of Science Programs for the Scarsdale School District. He held a patent for one of his science inventions. Ever the adventurer, Ted even earned his commercial pilot’s license.
On September 3, 1946 he married Alice Zahradnick.
Ted’s lifelong spiritual devotion led him to become ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church in 1991. He faithfully served at St Pius X in Scarsdale as well as serving as chaplain for the Scarsdale Fire and Police departments and the American Legion Scarsdale Post 52. He established a presidium of Legion of Mary and held the position of Spiritual Director. In addition, Ted was Curia president in charge of all Legion of Mary groups in Westchester.
Ted is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years and their three children, Jeffrey (Lisa) Gaskin, MaryBeth (James) DaBramo, Ted jr. (Louise) Gaskin and five grandchildren, Matthew Gaskin, Michael DaBramo, Miles Gaskin, Walt Gaskin, Cate Gaskin.
Calling hours:
Thursday, December 31, 2020 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home
824 Scarsdale Avenue
Scarsdale, NY
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 2, 2021 10:00 am
St. Pius X
91 Secor Road
Scarsdale, NY
Burial to immediately follow Mass:
Mt Calvary Cemetery
575 Hillside Avenue
White Plains, NY
In Lieu of flowers:
Mass Cards in Ted’s name may be made at St. Pius X Church
Donations in Ted’s name may be made to:
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
909 North Washington Street
Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
Wounded Warrior Project
PO Box 758516
Topeka, KS 66675-8516
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