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Theodore F. Fessel, Sr., 92, of Guilford died peacefully on April 29 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was born in New Haven, Feb. 7, 1927. He was the eldest child of Theodore Adam and Elizabeth Fessel, and had a younger sister, Virginia.

He lived on Miller Street in the shadow of Yale Bowl during his early childhood, then moved to Madison with his family and graduated from Hand High School in 1944. In his youth, he was a top notch athlete lettering in three varsity sports, football, basketball, and baseball, and participated on several championship teams. He served in the US Army during World War II.

Upon return he married the former Josephine Mancini of Guilford in 1953, and they made their home in Guilford for more than 60 years. Ted was a very engaged member of the Guilford community, where he volunteered, and was active in many organizations, most notably as a volunteer fireman at the Washington Fire Station for more than 15 years. He was also a coach and umpire in the Guilford Little League for more than 50 years. In addition, he was most recently remembered as a crossing guard for Calvin Leete and Adam’s Middle Schools for 18 years. He was publicly recognized by the State of Connecticut on several occasions and also awarded the coveted Beacon Award in 2016 due to more than 75 years of volunteer service to his community. He was also very active during his life as a member of the American Legion and VFW.

Ted, perhaps, will be remembered as a diehard Boston Red Sox fan and also a strong supporter of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and the UConn Huskies men’s and women’s basketball teams. In his work life he held many positions to include most notably, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft as a machinist, Maple Shade Diary as a wholesale route salesman; and Brunings as a machinist.

Ted is survived by his wife Josephine Mancini Fessel; his son Captain (USN-Ret.) Theodore F. Fessel, Jr., and his wife Cathy Reed Fessel; his grandsons Reed and Tristan Fessel; and Reed’s wife Stacey and Tristan’s wife Kathryn. He is also survived by great-granddaughters Maddix, Addison, and Avery, all living in Virginia. Locally, he enjoyed many nieces and nephews located primarily in the Connecticut Shoreline area and elsewhere. Ted was a member of the Guilford Congressional Church but was also tied to St. George’s Church due to his marriage to Josephine.

Calling hours were held on May 5 at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. Funeral services were held May 6 at the First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Burial with Full Military Honors followed immediately at St. George Cemetery, Hubbard Road, Guilford. Family and friends were invited to participate in refreshments at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall after all events. Donations in lieu of flowers will be appreciated supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, and American Legion Post 48, PO Box 1453, Guilford, CT 06437. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.