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Ted Yudacufski Obituary
October 5, 1930 ~ December 24, 2011
MONTEREY - Ted Yudacufski, "Mr. Yu," 81, and a Monterey resident for over fifty years, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2011 after suffering a heart attack while visiting his family for the holidays in Pasadena, CA.
Ted was born on October 5, 1930, in Frackville, PA, to Isadore and Estelle Yudacufski. He graduated from Penn State University and served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1963. His service took him to Germany and eventually to Fort Ord and the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. He was an avid fan of culture and languages, and during his travels and army service, he learned Russian, German, French, Portuguese and Korean.
While in Monterey, Ted met the love of his life, Ruby, whom he married in 1961. Together, they followed Ted's other passion: games, and opened the Monterey Chess Center in 1966. The center was a beloved Monterey institution for almost forty years. Ted was also an expert at chess and darts, and he taught both to students of every age up until his death. Through his work at the Chess Center, in schools and at local hang-outs, Ted touched thousands of people in Monterey and beyond.
Ted is survived by his daughters, Naomi Estolas and Daria Yudacufski; their spouses, Elpidio Estolas and Mark Sogomian; and three grandchildren, Brendyn Estolas (15), Ruby Estolas (8) and Sophie Sogomian (2).
Though his death was sudden and unexpected, he spent his last day doing what he loved most. He was surrounded by his family for Christmas Eve dinner and his final moments were spent playing chess with his grandson.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m., at Mission Mortuary, 450 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ted Yudacufski
Kathleen L. Ryan
November 30, 2022
Although it's been almost ten years since Mr. Yu passed, it still feels like he is still with many of us. If
you've had the chance to watch the Netflix series, "The Queen's Gambit," you can't help but remember the lessons Mr. Yu taught so many of us, not just with chess, but with life lessons.
He made every single person feel special, and heard, and stressed the importance of, "Good Sportsmanship."
As many of us remember, after each chess game was completed, he had both opponents shake hands, which I feel instilled integrity, and character, which he was known for, and led his students by his example.
I was fortunate to have met Mr. Yu, and helped with administrative duties for his, "Carmel River School Chess Club," which was held after school, when my daughter attended, in the early 2000's to mid-2000's.
Mr. Yu was an amazing teacher, and chess player, and told us several stories about Bobby Fischer, Boris Spassky, Judit Polgar, and Gary Kasparov, to keep his students interested, inspired, and motivated, to be the best chess players they could be.
Many time when life throws me difficult circumstances, I ask myself, "What would Mr. Yu do?" and try to handle things with the diplomacy, and grace he modeled, for his students of all ages.
Again, my condolences to his family. A truly great man has passed, but is not forgotten.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen L. Ryan
Thomas A Ball
November 28, 2022
I have some good memories of Ted and the chess center. RIP DEAR FRIEND.
D & M Wajckus
November 27, 2012
It is only recently my wife and I learned of Ted's passing. We treasure the visits we made to the Monterey Chess over the years. Ted, you will be missed. You were a fine example of a time that is passing all too fast when men of fine character stood for what they believed in. We love you Ted and always will, missing your beautiful smile. Your friends from Fresno, Dennis & Marian W.
Patrick Wormsley
November 24, 2012
I just learned of Ted's passing today. I hadn't seen Ted in several years, but I will always remember the times I spent with him like it was yesterday. I have the chalk scoreboard on my wall from Ted's Chess Center, he gave it to me when I moved away from Monterey. Thanks for everything Ted!
Amanda Farmer
June 28, 2012
Ted was a mentor, an inspiration, a friend and one hell of a dart player.I miss your " Hello Amanda" with your own unique accent. I miss you dearly. May your family be at peace. Now and always.
jeff avalier
June 10, 2012
Ted,...One of the all time greats!
A truly wonderful human being.
John Smithback
January 14, 2012
He was a friend, a teacher, a gentle man. Put away the darts, retire the king. Thank you, Ted, we have the memory...
[email protected]
Dick Faulkner
January 5, 2012
Goodbye Ted.
We had some great times in the good old days
Al Gregory
January 5, 2012
Sleep well old friend. I will always remember our trips to the Biltmore for dart tournaments, and will cherish the many memories.
Kathi Ike
January 4, 2012
You touched the lives of so many.... We are better people having known you. MYou will not soon be forgotten.y condolences to your family.
Dean Mitchell
January 3, 2012
Ted and the MCC made a big impact on me when I was kid in the 70's (I still use the darts and chess equipment he sold me). I have many fond memories. My condolences to his family.
January 2, 2012
We are sad and sorry to hear of Teds departure. We miss those days of darts back when, and I miss playing GO with Ted. He was a good teacher, player and friend,
George Layton,
Crescent City, CA
Curtis Stecker
January 2, 2012
In memory
Curtis Stecker
January 2, 2012
My deepest condolences to all the family, Ted was one of the few fine gentleman I had the pleasure of knowing. He will be remembered & missed.
sonja jegat
January 1, 2012
I am so sorry to Ted's family , I know how much he loved his family and his grandchildren.He was so proud of you guys. He loved keeping me updated with the latest news, he would love to share his latest photos of the kids. soo soo proud.
What a kind man he was. i will miss him very much..my condolence to the family...
jimmy meserve
January 1, 2012
You will be missed.
I will miss the times you took my dollars and i will cherish the times i took yours. darts will not be the same for me with out you.Keep an eye on me from above and i'll know when i miss you will be there to guide me
My heart ad preyers are with your family we love and miss you
Jimmy & Carol
Ed Schneid
January 1, 2012
Sending Condolences and Love to My Cousin's Family. I never had the opportunity to meet Ted, however; as he was in the Army and 10-years older than me. In 1953 my mother Marion Schneid put my sister Doris and I on a train at Penn Station NY for my "once in a lifetime" visit to Frackville PA. Uncle Isadore (Ike) met us at the station and I started my most memorable week as a 13 year old, recently Bar Mitzva boy from Brooklyn.
If anyone can get in touch with Ted's sisters, Diana and Bernice (Bunny), please have them contact their cousin Eddie.
[email protected]
Mission Mortuary, Inc.
December 31, 2011
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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