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Theodore Tangalakis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Tangalakis
Kirk Profit
January 10, 2020
I will ALWAYS have great memories of "Ted's" (and later Teds Pills and Things) with Ted perched prominently right at the entrance in his office/pharmacy HQ. Always a passionate supporter of EMU and the broader community, and always a friendly face with welcoming approach and kindly advice/counsel to all who would stop by. Truly, Ted was a store owner and pharmacist who filled SO MUCH more space than just the square footage in his store. To be sure, his reached stretched all along the Cross St. business community, throughout EMU, and Ypsilanti, and to so many students and community members who had the great fortune to call Ted a friend. Even to this day, he leaves a legacy and imprint on all of us who had the opportunity to visit and share time with Ted. For me that started in the '50's when I was a student at Roosevelt. And I still carry this good fortune now 60 years later !! Thanks to the Ted and his entire family !!
Bert Greene
January 8, 2020
I have known Theodore for almost 60 years and I miss him a lot. It is simply impossible to say all the things that Theodore meant to me. I miss our "lunches" and simple talks and I have not found anyone who could replace him. I am forever grateful that Ted took a liking to me when I was a student - and neither he nor I have ever forgotten that. Ted did many things for many people; he was generous to students and patient with them when things didn't go as planned. He was truly the friendly, helpful pharmacist. He will be remembered in the hearts of thousands for many years to come. I still him. Rest in Peace, Ted.
March 18, 2011
Thank you Ted for being such a gentleman and a giving spirit.You were a blessing on this earth and I am so grateful to have known you! RIGP.
~George A Konert,KPA '69 Vero Beach, Fla.
Dorothy Marzolf
March 12, 2011
I remember Ted at his father' store in St. Louis, MI, where we grew up. I have thought of him many times through the years. We stopped at his store to see him one time but it was closed. His brother George was one year older than I. I had lunch every day when in high school, at his parents store. Such a lovely family they all were! Please know that I am thinking of you.
Dorothy Hall Marzolf Tecumseh, MI
January 21, 2011
As a fellow pharmacist in the area and a member of the faculty of the University College of Pharmacy, I have been aware of Ted's impact on the local community for many years. He personified my view of what a community pharmacist should be. He has left a lasting legacy on those of us in the pharmacy profession. My condolances to his family for the loss of such a wonderful man.
Frank Ascione
Mel Ferguson, (Jr.)
January 18, 2011
From the hundreds of thousand who attend EMU over the years to the locals who grew up crossing your door, we all feel your loss like family because you welcomed us like your own. You were our favorite Uncle, our Greek cousin, an Ypsi. institution.
I first crossed your door as a small child with my Dad, your Creamo [later Holsum] bread man. I continued to show up in High School when I should have been in study hall. Of course when I came home from college I met with my old friends at Ted's.
I'm certain my Dad has greeted you foundly and in the minds eye of my heart of hearts I will always see ya at Ted's.
Julius Hill
January 17, 2011
I graduated EMU in 1989. I remember cashing a lot of campus checks at Ted's drug store. I always liked talking to Ted. He was a fine man and always had an ear to hear student's concerns. I am an alum of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity: we awarded Ted an honorary paddle to display in Theo Doors, the family watering hole. Good times. God Bless you, Ted and your family.
Andrea and Chris Savvides
January 17, 2011
We met Mr. Ted back in 1997, when our parents bought the Tower Inn. We would go visit him whenever we were at the restaurant and he always had a kind word, a funny story, and a piece of candy for us. Rest in peace Mr. Ted. We will miss you and always remember you fondly.
Andrea and Chris Savvides
Jerry Francisco
January 17, 2011
I can only agree with everything else that has already been said.
When I come home, I never miss going to Ypsi, EMU and the store. Both of my sons have been there as well. Just too many good memories.
God Bless TED always.
Juanita Hewitt
January 17, 2011
To Cerene and the rest of the family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of "Ted." He was one of my favorite people in my many years at the bank and he sent me "how are you doing" cards after I left.
He will be missed but take comfort in the many memories.
January 17, 2011
my condolences to his family, this man was a delight in our community. sincerely Cheryl Jordan
John MacDermid
January 17, 2011
Ted was really a giant and great influence on all who met him. He was always upbeat, helpful, and understanding during my time at EMU (1951 to 1955). We had a lot of WWII Veterans on campus at that time. I had never heard of Ted's War Service, but he and they were surely The Greatest Generation.
Dr John MacDermid
George and Judith Goodman
January 17, 2011
Over the years, every community has a person who can bring the essence of the community alive. In Ypsilanti, for as long as we can remember, Ted Tangalakis was that person. He never met a person that he didn’t like. He had no enemies. He was kind, warm, friendly and caring. Whatever your status in life was didn’t matter to Ted. He was a people’s person. All who met him loved him. We had the honor of calling him a friend.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his family. The EMU and Ypsilanti Community has lost an invaluable asset. He was clearly one of a kind and will be missed.
January 17, 2011
George, Linda and family of Mr. Theodore G. Tangalakis.
We are very sorry to learn of Mr. Tangalakis' passing and extend our sympathy to each of you.
Orlando and Martha Currie Ippoliti, Pinehurst, NC
Deb Lyte-Tulppo
January 17, 2011
Ah my dear sweet Ted. As I read the obituary my mind wondered to all the wonderful conversations and laughs we had together. The world needs more people like you. Standing in the cage sharing both the good times and bad times,you were always there to lend love, and support. You are gone but NEVER forgotten. With all my Love.
Dave Goss
January 17, 2011
I am sorry to heard of Teds passing. I attended EMU from 73 to 77 and frequented Campus Drugs. Always friendly Ted showed his love of the students and we all loved him. He was truly a wonderful man. Dave Goss class of 77
Ruth Ann Jamnick
January 17, 2011
Mrs. Tangalakis, George, Linda and Family ...
I am sorry to learn of your loss of Mr. Tangalakis. He and his businesses are a part of our area's heritage. He was a kind and generous person who taught many of us the meaning of those words. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Sincerely,
Ruth Ann Jamnick
Kirk Profit
January 16, 2011
For some of us that have been around EMU for a L-O-N-G time now, it is hard to imagine Cross St., College Pl., Hurons, Eagles, MSNC, EMC, or now EMU without Ted. He has touched the lives of more students and members of this community than anyone can count. He leaves a legacy of sustained and unconditional support for EMU and our community that is unparalleled. Thanks, Ted, for your friendship (in my case for 50 years now); and Thanks George and Family for sharing Ted with all of us -- we will miss his advice, counsel, encouragement, support.........and his friendly smile at the corner of Cross and College Place.
Ted Prokos Family
January 16, 2011
Tangalakis Family - we were so sorry to hear of Ted's passing we send our most sincere condolences to you all.
January 16, 2011
Dean and family- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dean I knew in in junior and in high school and always admired you and your family. Please accept my sincere condolences, what a great man your dad was. Andra (lisa) Bostian
Robert (Bob) Taylor
January 16, 2011
George and Cerene, Verry sorry to read of your Dads passing, knew the three of you for 35 years or more. Always enjoyed the conversation I had with Ted.
Sharon Quayle Shaw
January 16, 2011
May I extend my condolences to Ted's family. You and those of us who were touched by his friendship were very blessed to have had him in your lives. I met Ted when I was a freshman at EMU and spent many, many hours at a booth in his pharmacy talking with him or listening. Ted was a mentor, story teller and all round amazing role model for all.
Judith Hayner
January 16, 2011
Although I was clearly one of the thousands, I felt that I was special in the eyes of Ted Tangalakis. It was my privilege to be friends with Cerene and to work behind that soda counter. I cannot remember my undergrad days without those afternoons at Campus Drugs right in the middle of the memories. Thank you, Ted, for making every one of us special in your eyes and in your boundless heart.
With gratitude,
Judy Hayner
Muskegon Museum of Art
Muskegon MI
Dale R. Leslie
January 16, 2011
Ted Tangalakis is synonymous with all that's bright and beautiful about Eastern Michigan University. He never met a student he didn't like or fail to offer a piece of worthwhile advice. I evolved from an Eastern student to a fellow retailer (Leslie Office Supply, Inc.) and I emulated his successful business practices at Campus Drugs in how hard he worked and the courtesy and the fairness he offered to his customers. He was an honorary EMU Letterman, and justifiably so. I have known his daughter Cerene since childhood and her class and good works is in her dad's mold. It's an over-used cliché, but it's true, by gosh: "Ted, you were just what the doctor ordered."
Joyce Rothe
January 16, 2011
I met "Uncle Ted" only a few times, at Thanksgiving dinner at John and Mary's home, but, as with everyone in Marion's family, it was love at first meeting. His humor and friendliness were infectious. My deepest sympathy to his loving family.
January 16, 2011
Ted was one of the world's most beautiful human beings. He never met a stranger
"Nord" (John) Nordlinger
January 16, 2011
Ted was one of the world's most beautiful human beings. He never met a stranger and I seriously doubt if he had any enemies (after WWII that is). When you walked into the store Ted would immediately call you by name, even if he hadn't seen you in 20+ years.
Well done, dear friend!
January 15, 2011
I considered Ted a very special friend. He opened Campus Drugs when I was a Freshman at then Michigan State Normal College. Many hours were spent in the store and I had kept in touch over the years. He will be truly missed.
My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
Fondly,
Mary Joe Baldwin Cossey
Beverly Hills, Michigan
January 15, 2011
Matina, Cerene, and family,
My sincerest sympathy to both of you and the rest of your family. What an accomplished man Ted was and I was so sorry to read of his passing. May he find peace and may the wonderful memories of a lifetime remain in your hearts forever.
Jayne Yoder (UM Dent School)
January 15, 2011
I too was a PE Major at EMU 1961-1965 who literally spent most of her free time at Ted's. He was a friend and a mentor who help many of us make out way through EMU. He will be missed. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Judy Myers , Alpine CA
January 15, 2011
I too know Ted to be one of the kindest gentalist men I ever met. I was always amazed I could walk in the store years after graduation and he could remember who I was, who I married and what years I had attended.
The whole HPER dept. that was across the street thought of Ted's as home. Students and professors alike. If those tables could talk imagine what we would hear. God love Ted. Lin Johnston-Jacobs class of 1963
Bert Greene
January 15, 2011
It is with a heavy heart that I write these comments. I first met Ted almost 60 years ago, when I was a student at Michigan State Normal College (The Normal). As did many students, I would stop in for coffee and perhaps a doughnut. When I returned to EMU to teach, I stopped by more frequently because my office was across the street. Over the years we became good friends.
I watched his children grow and marry. I even got to dance at Cerene's wedding. I flew Dean to Chicago and had dinner with his future bride at his mother-in-law's house. I got to know Matina as she continued to give me advice; much of it very good. I had the opportunity to be friendly with George and was introduced to his wife when they first began to date. In short, I have had the pleasure of being a small part of the family.
When I retired, I would stop in once a week and Ted and I would share a sandwich for lunch. On Friday mornings we would go out for a breakfast of pancakes.
Ted, I miss those days.
Milton Davis
January 15, 2011
The members of VFW Post 423 in Ann Arbor would like to send our sincere condolences to Ted's family. Ted was a member for over 55 years. May he find peace in heaven.
J. Sellers
January 15, 2011
Ted was a kind and gracious man. Here's to one of the greatest of the "Greatest Generation."
Julie Skiba - Blatnik
January 15, 2011
My deepest sympathy to George, Cerene and the entire family. Ted was a great man. I know he is a ledend at EMU and has touched many lives. May his memories remain alive always in the hearts of those he loved. Rest in Peace.
Holly Smith
January 15, 2011
So many wonderful, eloquent thoughts by so many people, here, on FB, etc. Matina and family, you must be overwhelmed with pride over what an impact Ted made on so many thousands of people. Rarely have I seen such an outpouring of love for a person, but I am not surprised. To every person, Ted made you feel like a member of his family and the center of his universe - and he taught that talent to his children. I couldn't walk into Ted's without being called back into the cage for a hug and a chat and that is how I will always remember him. Thank you, Ted, for a life so very well lived.
Fritz Jedwill
January 15, 2011
I fondly remember Ted when I was a student at EMU 1957-1960. I often dropped in at his drug store. I send my sympathy to his family.
Laurie Ridenour
January 15, 2011
With Sympathy...Ted was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
William Wescott
January 15, 2011
My father John Wescott loved to drink coffee at the drug store and I have so many fond memories of Ted and the drug store on Easterns campus. Bless your family during this loss!
January 15, 2011
Ted, you will always be remembered and loved. May you rest in peace.
Rois and Nathalie Savvides
Jack Minzey
January 15, 2011
My sincere condolences to all of Ted's wonderful family. Ted had a great influence on my life. In high school he was my mentor, and in college. his drug store was my hang out. He was the Patron of my fraternity, Kappa Phi Alpha, and my coffee break spot when I worked for EMU. We shared many thoughts and hugs over more than 65 years. He was my counselor and friend. I shall miss him dearly, but I will never forget him.
Elaine Apostle
January 15, 2011
Dear Matina and all the family, I am deeply saddened at the passing of Ted. Words cannot express my feeling of loss and emptiness at his passing. He was such an influence in my life and as our dear neighbor and friend for all these years. I could not come back to visit my family in Ann Arbor without coming to visit Ted and Matina. What a wonderful legacy he leaves and a person that has touched and left many fond memories to many of us. He will be missed by all who ever knew him. May his memory be eternal. Mhy love and sympathy to all the family. Always, Elaine Collins Apostle
Mitzi Manning
January 15, 2011
I knew and loved Ted from the first week I was at Eastern in 1961. As a PE major spending hours each week in the "old gym," my natural break place was Ted's. My classmates and I literally lived there until the new field house was completed. I missed Ted's, so I applied for a job and worked for Ted until I graduated. My first stop on visits to Michigan after my parents home, for all the years I was traveling the world as a Marine, was Ypsi and Ted's. He never forgot any of "his girls," and he kept us up with each other's lives. If there was ever an "Institution" at our institution, it was Ted. He is mourned and will be missed by untold thousands. For Matina, wonderful George (who we watched grow into a man), and the entire family, we join you in the celebration of the life of a wonderful man.
Mary Beth Gaines-Roberts
January 15, 2011
I remember fondly Matina and Ted and the work they did in Ypsilanti Community. May God give you all peace and comfort in the memories you have.
Cricket
January 15, 2011
I did not know Mr. Tangalakis, but was moved to tears when I read his obituary.
I am so sorry for his family's loss...what an incredible man he must have been!
I salute him for his service to our country, and for his many accomplishments. I will be praying for his family.
Jennifer Loebig
January 14, 2011
Ted was an icon. I remember him in his pharmacist coat at the counter telling stories. He gave a feeling of home when we were away from our own. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers from my family to his.
Stacy Cain
January 14, 2011
Ted adopted my family shortly after I met him...Morgan still calls him her third grandpa. We will always have a special place in our hearts for Ted and for the rest of the family. Our deepest sympathy to all of you...with love Stacy, Morgan, and Danny
James Lee
January 14, 2011
Farewell to a positive role model, mentor, grandfather-by-proxy, and boss. Your spirit will live on through all of the people that were fourtunate enough to have known you. My heart is sad.
Scott Langohr
January 14, 2011
So sorry to hear. Ted was a great man and a huge supporter of the Eastern Michigan University community and generations of Eastern students.
Heather Krason
January 14, 2011
With much sympathy....
He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many!!!
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