Theodore Labiner

Theodore Labiner, 94, passed away on January 2, 2026 in New York City, one day after watching his beloved Hoosiers in their first-ever Rose Bowl victory. He was remembered by family and friends later in January as Indiana University won the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Born in New Jersey, Ted received degrees from Indiana University and New York University and served in the Army. He lived in New York City for three quarters of a century. Ted had a long career as an advertising and marketing executive, including for Lipton.

Ted was a very loyal IU and New York sports team fan, including the former New York Giants baseball team. He also enthusiastically cheered on his grandchildren in their sports, and for many years raced around NYC to support his daughter in the NYC Marathon. From early childhood on, he loved a plain bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese exclusively from Russ & Daughters. Ted enjoyed numerous artistic and cultural activities, as well as visiting sites of historical significance, including Pearl Harbor, Gettysburg, and Valley Forge. The breadth and depth of his historical knowledge was always impressive. Most recently, he started attending synagogue.

He is survived by his loving children and grandchildren.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Indiana University Foundation: iufoundation.iu.edu.