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Dr. Theodore W. Sudia, PhD.

  • On April 15, 2015
  • 19 Comments

Dr. Theodore William Sudia, Phd., age 89, of Pittsburgh passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2015.

Born on October 10, 1925, in Ambridge, he was a son and the youngest of the eight children of the late Paraskeva and Frank Sudia.

Preceded in death by wife, Cecelia Elson Sudia and daughter, Norah Sudia Davies, also by siblings Anna, Frank, Marion, Victoria, Helen and Daniel.

Survived by son, Frank Sudia, daughter, Rachael Sudia (Keith) Boivin; grandchildren: Samuel, Cecelia Iris and Aaron; sister, Dorothy Evancho; and by many, many nieces and nephews.

Ted received the Eagle Scout Award in 1938. He proudly served in the US Naval Reserve during WWII as a radar operator on the YMS-200, a minesweeper in the Pacific. He received his doctorate from the Ohio State University in Plant Ecology/Plant Physiology. Ted held the position of Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota and later became the Chief Scientist of the National Park Service, where he retired after 25 years of service in 1995. He was a founding member of the George Wright Society an organization dedicated to the protection, preservation and management of cultural and natural parks and reserves through research and education.

A memorial will be held on Sunday April 26 at 2 pm in the Galbreath Chapel at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2040 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Dr. Theodore William Sudia, Phd. to the George Wright Society (georgewright.org) or to: Laurel Highlands Council, Boy Scouts of America (http://lhc-bsa.org)

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, (724) 260-5546.

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19 Comments

John and Maureen Krupa
We are grieving the loss of an amazing person who not only contributed to the society in which he lived, but who added color and humor to our family. You will be greatly missed, Uncle Ted.
Shawn Sudia-Skehan
When I think of my father and my two Sudia uncles, I am so proud of all they accomplished. I have bragged many times about Uncle Ted's achievements. I also hold dear many memories of him and Daddy staying up all night just to debate some issue. They loved those nights, they loved each other and I know Daddy and Frank and their parents are so happy to see Ted today. Still, Rachel and Keith, I know how you and your children must be grieving. It's hard. But know we love you and we loved him. His legacy remains, but sometimes that just doesn't fill the hole in your heart, does it.
Jan Evancho
The well of wonderful memories of Uncle Ted-- funny stories, amazing accomplishments, unforgettable quotes--runs very deep. Rest in peace after a full life well lived, dear unc. We always looked up to your accomplishments. We will never forget your presence in our lives. Your flame still burns bright in our hearts.
Kathleen Evancho Chmelir
Oh, Uncle Ted. Back in my confused youth, you taught me so much about life, mostly about the simple things that I didn’t seem to know how to navigate. I’m forever grateful for the summers spent in St. Paul, Bethesda and DC, the endless dollars you spent developing my black & white Instamatic snapshots that I took of absolutely everything, the job at the Ecological Services Lab, the long talks at dinnertime, and of course, I’ll never forget how you saved my college calculus grade by finally explaining to me what my professors could not. Thank you for recognizing and encouraging in me something that I didn’t even know was there. You were a fine uncle and a finer friend. And I, as well as all who knew you, will miss you on this earth. You’ll always have a special place in my heart. ‘Bye, Ted. It was wonderful knowing you. Rachel and Keith, my heart breaks for you and your family. We’re praying for you and sending only the best thoughts your way.
David Harmon
Dear Family and Friends of Ted, I just learned the sad news about Ted's death from a mutual friend. As the Executive Director of the George Wright Society, I want to offer deepest condolences on your loss from all of us in the GWS. The success we have enjoyed since our founding in 1980 is entirely due to the tireless efforts of Ted and his co-founder, Bob Linn, during the formative years of the Society. Bob and Ted were not just talented scientists; they were visionaries passionately devoted to the national parks — a very high calling indeed. I hope you all will be able to take a measure of consolation in reflecting on how much good Ted brought into the world. (Dear Frank: It's been a long time since we've been in touch. If you will reach out to me, I would like to ask your help in organizing a fitting memorial article on your dad for our journal, The George Wright Forum. I can make sure to have extra copies of that issue printed for any family members who would like one.) With sympathy, Dave Harmon
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