Joseph Theodore Obituary
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph Theodore and the late Mercedes Theodore. He was educated in local schools.
He was a US Army Infantry veteran of World War II, he was wounded twice and was the recipient of the Purple Heart and still had shrapnel in his arm, until the day he died. During the Potsdam Conference he drove a staff car in the President Harry S. Truman entourage.
Mr. Theodore was employed as the wire inspector for the city of New Bedford for about 15 years, retiring in 1982. Previously he was the owner operator of Joseph Theodore Electric.
He was instrumental in passing the law, to light the American Flag, allowing it to fly all night. The tank which is at Fort Taber was also a project that he was responsible for. Mr. Theodore was also responsible for the Old Glory Tower in New Bedford, and also for the Four Chaplains Ceremony held at the Seamen's Bethel each January to commemorate the memory of the 4 Chaplains who gave their lives on the Troop Ship Dorchester.
Surviving in addition to his wife is one son, Jerry W. Theodore and his wife, Geraldine of Fall River, MA.; and one daughter, Diane T. Medeiros and her husband, Jim of Westport, MA.; one grandson, Christian Theodore of Westport; one brother, Richard Theodore of FL.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also brother of the late Manuel Theodore.
Funeral Thurs. July 23, 2009, at 8AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, followed by a funeral Mass at 9AM in St. Mary's Church, 783 Dartmouth St., So. Dartmouth. Burial in St. John Cemetery, New Bedford. Visitation Wed. 4-8PM.
For directions www.waring-sullivan.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patti Haley
July 30, 2009
Mrs. Theodore,
Please know that Joe is remembered with great fondness and love. He was honest, sincere and simply the Best. He always had a smile and a kind word. Your support for him will never be forgotten. The best of luck to you and your family. I was the manager at Solemar with Alice for many years and always smile when I think of Joe.
July 27, 2009
Dear Aunt Hilda, Cousins Jerry & Diane,
We were deeply saddend to hear about the passing of Uncle Joe. Unfortunately since moving to FL 17 yrs ago we didn't get to see him often, but he will be greatly missed by all of us. You will be in our thoughts & prayers for comfort in your loss. He was a man of great accomplishments of whom you must be very proud to have loved & be loved by.
Take Care & God Bless,
Mike, Judy, Kerri & Jillian Theodore
George M Varao Jr
July 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kris& Eddie Francis
July 23, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this time. We met you and your husband several years ago when we purchased your travel trailer. He took great pride in telling us everything we needed to know about it and we took the same great care of it.We were inspired by the stories he told us about all of his accomplishments. Whenever we pass the tower we always think of him and tell the children how the flag got to be flown there.He also came to Sippican School to give a speech and I spoke to him there and he remembered me after all those years. He was pleasure to listen to,always a good story to tell. He will always be remembered.
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Rev. Christopher Drew
July 22, 2009
Dear Theodore Family-
The greater New Bedford area has lost a great man and a wonderful person. Although I knew the flag on the tower was his doing I had not heard that it was the first 24 hour lit flag in the US. I remember Joe from the Four Chaplains observance at the Bethel and always felt honored to be asked to be part of that very special day. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Zeb Arruda
July 22, 2009
My sympathy goes out to all of Joe's family. I had the opportunity to meet Joe a couple of years ago during the construction of many veteran monuments throughout the City of New Bedford. A kind gentleman who had a passion for our Country. I am honored to have met and known Joe. He was a true American.
arthur heffernan
July 22, 2009
My sympathy, goes out to you at this time. For years I have admired Joe's action and rewards. I live by Ft. Tabor, my Dad was wounded on Anzio Beach in 43. He was never the same. What Joe did over the years, was wonderful. Will always think of him, as I see the flag waving, and the tank at Ft. Tabor. God bless him.
MANNY CANASTRA
July 22, 2009
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, FROM MY ENTIRE FAMILY, ON THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND.
JOE WAS A GREAT FRIEND WHEN I MET HIM AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS ABILITY TO GET THE FLAG PROJECT UP AND RUNNING. AS A VIET NAM VETERAN IT HAS MENT ALOT TO ALOT OF VIET NAM VETERANS.
Herv Letourneau
July 22, 2009
Our deepest sympathy,from my wife and I, on your loss of your husband.
When I, Herv, was Post 1 treasurer, from early '90's to 2002, I would actively partipate in the Four Chaplains Memorial Service. Now that I live in Wichita Kansas, it is impossible for me actively participate in the memorial service but I do think about it every January and visualize your husband on the podium speaking to those who are in attendance.
I can see the angels holding the American Flag in their wings.
David&Carol Souza
July 22, 2009
Out deepest sympathy on your loss, he was a great man and a great American.
John Bullard
July 22, 2009
Joe Theodore called me his "twin." I always felt honored by that. Joe was fiercely determined to achieve goals most of us would consider unattainable. But he attained them, not for himself, but for all people who serve our country. Whenever I would see the flag flying at night over the White House, I would think, "Little Joe Theodore did that!" He was little in height only. His heart was as big as all outdoors. Joe was a gentleman who always wore a smile and always had a kind word. The world could use more people like Joe Theodore.
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