Theodore Walker Stearns

Notes:

Theodore "Ted" Stearns, age 91, of South Windham passed away early Sunday, September 29, 2013, at Douglas Manor in Windham Center, with his beloved son, John Albert, by his side. He was born August 5, 1922, in Mansfield to the late Alice (James) and Robert E. Stearns where he grew up on their Mountain Dairy farm. He attended the one room Chestnut Hill School and graduated from Natchaug School in 1938. After school he joined the CCC. He then worked for the Springfield Armory and subsequently enlisted in the Army in 1942. He proudly served in Europe until 1945 with the 853rd Ordnance Unit. Upon his honorable discharge in December 1945, he worked at the Armory again, after that at Lake Marie Poultry Farm (which ruined his stomach for chicken) and then at Gardiner Farm in Spring Hill. He was later recruited by CL&P where he served 35 years as a lineman, and then a mechanic retiring as chief in 1983. In addition to his parents, Ted was predeceased by wife, Ruth Curtis Stearns, as well as his five siblings: Cynthia, Willard, Ellsworth, Robert and Stedman. In addition to his son John, he is also survived by two stepsons, Paul and Donald Giovanella and several nephews and nieces. Ted was a proud charter member of the VFW chapter 9800 in Mansfield; his military service was an important chapter in his life. He loved his Ford vehicles and enjoyed travel with his son John on their many excursions. He was selfless with his time and was always helping family and friends with a multitude of projects and problems. The family is grateful for the medical care provided to Ted by Dr. Richard Dibala as well as doctors and nurses at Windham Hospital. The compassionate care by the staff at Douglas Manor over this past year was of comfort. Appreciation is also given to Virginia Byram for her exceptional service in order that Ted could remain at home for as long as he was able.
A memorial celebration will be held at the First Congregational Church in Mansfield Center (Rtes. 195 & 89), Friday, Oct. 4th at 1 p.m. He will have a private burial with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VFW. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic assisted with arrangements.
--Published in The Hartford Courant on Oct. 1, 2013

Family/Spouse: Ruth Margaret Curtis. Ruth was born on 9 Nov 1925 in Terryville, Connecticut, USA; died on 21 Jun 1976 in Windham, Connecticut, USA; was buried in Windham Center Cemetery, Windham, Windham County, Connecticut, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Theodore married Vivian Elizabeth Curtis on 3 Sep 1986 in Windham, Connecticut, USA. Vivian (daughter of Oscar Perkins Curtis and Adeline Bell Huntoon) was born on 20 Jun 1923 in Meriden, Connecticut, USA; died on 15 Mar 2007 in Putnam, Connecticut, USA; was buried in Wrentham, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]