Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Jan 21, 1953 - Apr 1, 2018
Ted and I were close friends in High School and in Sigma Pi fraternity at Eastern Illinois University. Jevo Ted.
Rick Davis
March 28, 2025 | Byron, IL | Friend
I knew Ted from school in Mt. Morris through our times at EIU. He had a great heart and true compassion for others. I am lucky to have known him and I wish his family comfort and peace in this difficult time.
Cathy Fennel
April 08, 2018 | Seguin, TX
It was a privilege to have Ted as a student and a football player. He always gave his best and was a true gentleman.
Coach Allison
Gerald Allison
April 06, 2018 | Polo, IL
It was a privilege to have Ted as a student and a football player. He always gave his best and was a true gentleman.
Coach Allison
Gerald Allison
April 06, 2018 | Polo, IL
Connie I am so sorry to see this! But, I am so glad to have gotten to know you and Ted! My heart and thoughts are with you!
Melissa Swango-Lumpp
April 06, 2018 | Charleston, IL
I first met Ted at the start of my law enforcement career with the Coles County Sheriff's department. Always a nice guy with a positive attitude and sincere smile, Ted was a good police officer, a good leader and a good person. He will be missed.
Connie, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lonny Cooper
April 06, 2018 | Oakland, IL
Dear Connie, girls & families, our hearts are aching for you all...we KNOW how hard he fought through being at chemo on those many days...we pray that the love & outpouring of sympathy will bring you some comfort...Ted was admired as a law officer, co-worker, friend & family man, with family being the most important. Grateful to know he is at peace after all he & all of you have been thru...it is never just the cancer patient involved in the course of treatment & the journey...GOD BLESS each...
Kathy Bradford
April 06, 2018 | Charleston, IL
I wasn't a close friend with Ted, we knew each other through our daughters when in high school. We would shake hands or nod to each other when out and about. He was a good man had a good wife and family and will be truly missed. Ted is in heaven now a magnificent place, no more pain just joy and love and waiting for his wife, daughters, family and us to join him someday.
Joe & Diana Vandever
April 04, 2018 | Charleston, IL | Friend
Ted you were a great man & friend. I Will miss u so much. May you rest in peace.
Elmer Black
Elmer Black
April 04, 2018 | Charleston, IL | Friend
CHARLESTON, IL – Ted A. Ghibellini, age 65 of Charleston was in the comfort of his home with loving family by his side when he went to his Heavenly Home on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. A Graveside Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 9, 2018 at Liberty Cemetery located in Hutton Township southeast of Charleston with Pastor Mike Southards officiating. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Police Department Shop With a Cop or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals. Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Ted was born January 21, 1953 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of the late James and Betty (Sjostrom) Ghibellini. He married Connie Newell on January 20, 1981 in Las Vegas. He is survived by Connie, his loving and devoted wife of 37 years; three daughters, April Tracy and husband Kevin of Newman, Illinois, Ashley Honea and husband Bryon and Amanda Wetzel and husband Ross, all of Peoria, Illinois; seven grandchildren with another expected in September, Cade and Dane Hutchcraft, Owen and Amelia Tracy, and Bryce, Krue and Rylan Honea; two brothers, Mike Ghibellini and wife Shari of Mount Morris, Illinois and Gary Krejsa and wife Christine of Marine, California; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, James Ghibellini, Jr.
Ted was a 1971 graduate of Mount Morris High School and was awarded his Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Eastern Illinois University. He then joined the ranks of the Charleston Police Department and Sergeant Ghibellini retired in 2005 as Chief of Police. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388.
Ted’s chosen career as a police officer enabled him to be of tremendous help to people. He earned the utmost respect of his fellow officers which was a testament to his leadership skills and his dedication to law enforcement. His devotion to his family was paramount and time was always reserved for them in the form of vacations to Las Vegas, amusement park excursions, attending children and grandchildren’s sporting events, or perhaps whipping up some Swedish pancakes when extended family came to visit - Ted was truly proud of his Italian and Swedish heritage. Ted also enjoyed golf, bowling and fishing and was a dear friend to many.
Ted was truly a dedicated public servant who was concerned about the well-being of others placing their needs before his own. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and they will forever treasure their many fond memories.
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