Theodore James "Ted" Broecker

Theodore James Broecker
Norfolk - Theodore "Ted" James Broecker; died in his home at Harbor's Edge in Norfolk, Va., on November 21, 2012 following a valiant battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born in Waukegan, Ill. on August 31, 1929, the oldest son of the late Theodore James Broecker and Mary Frances Merchant Broecker. He was predeceased by his wife of 31 years and the mother of his children, Mary Ellen (Terry) Graubner Broecker and his brothers James Merchant Broecker and Henry James Broecker.
Ted is survived by his wife of eighteen years; Conwell (Connie) Hawks Wentz Broecker; his four children Martha Frances Broecker of Dallas, Texas; Theodore James (Chip) Broecker Jr. and his wife Mary Blythe Woodard Broecker of Lutz, Fla.; Susan Marie Broecker Gish and her husband, Christopher Scott Gish of Randolph, N.J.; Mary Kathryn Broecker Gerson and her husband, Michael Allan Gershon of Austin, Texas.
He is survived by seven grandchildren, Blythe Wilkerson Broecker, Kathryn Merchant Broecker, Theodore James Broecker IV, Sidney Frances Gish, Perri Ellen Gish, Theodore Allan Gerson and Sophie Marie Gerson.
Also surviving are his wife's children and grandchildren; Ashley Wentz Strattner, her husband Brian and her son, Todd Anthony Harrell and his wife Lauran; Robert William Wentz III, his wife Pamela and their sons, Robert William Wentz IV and Morgan Ellis Wentz; Richard Edward Hawks Wentz and his sons Richard Carrington Wentz and Benton Birdsong Hawks Wentz. Ted is survived by sisters-in-law Joanne Broecker and Mary Welton Hawks Meredith and her husband, William B. Meredith II, and brother-in-law Gabriel Graubner and several nieces and nephews.
Ted was a devout Christian and a longtime member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. He supported their many causes throughout the years. After moving to Norfolk in 2008 he became a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Ted was a graduate of the Class of 1951 at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Ill. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and played number one singles for the tennis team that won three conference titles. He was conference tennis champion in 1950.
Upon graduating he worked at Sears Roebuck and Co., before being called into the United States Navy, serving at sea and later in the Washington, D.C. Naval District. He attended Officer Candidate School and later served in the Naval Reserves, retiring with the rank of Commander. Mr. Broecker moved to Norfolk in 1956 where he and fellow Navy reservist, Van Cunningham, started a franchise of Stewart Sandwiches. Ted originally drove a truck from which he sold and delivered sandwiches and infrared ovens to convenience stores in the Tidewater area. Throughout the 1960's and 1970's the company expanded to 35 sales centers in 22 states. Ted and his partner purchased the parent company and soon after took Stewart Sandwiches Inc. public.
Ted served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. In 1974, Ted and Van were also general partners in the ownership group of the ABA Virginia Squires Basketball Team.
Though his work was important to him, and he excelled at it, nothing topped his love for being with family and friends. Ted's enthusiasm, positive outlook and larger than-life spirit were contagious, and he lived life to the fullest. He loved to dance, travel, and share stories, laugh and learn new things. Ted's front yard tennis court served as the neighborhood gathering spot and one of his frequent quotes was "Always get your first serve in". He was an avid tennis player and golfer and enjoyed deep sea fishing. Ted would jump into any activity that his children and grandchildren would present. All of his children learned to water-ski and Ted steering the " Big Dad".
Ted was a community activist and his leadership participation was generous and diverse. He served on many boards, including the Board of Directors of DePaul Medical Center and Chairman of the Hospital Building Fund Drive; Past President of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's Infant Home for Disabled Children; Board of Trustees of Lake Forest College and a charter member of their Athletic Hall of Fame for his tennis prowess; Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America; ODU Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi, receiving their Outstanding Businessman of the Year; Past President of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Naval Reserve Association and President of Sales and Marketing Executives of Tidewater Virginia, Inc.
In 1975, Ted was a recipient of the Sales Executive of the Year award by Sales and Marketing Executives of Tidewater for civic as well as business endeavors. In 1992 he was honored once again by this same group as a Hall of Fame Recipient. He also received the Judeo-Christian Humanitarian Award in 1992.
Ted was a former member of the Norfolk Sports Club, the Cape Henry Racquet Club, the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club and the Princess Anne Country Club.
The family would like to thank Ted's caregivers, Tanya Carter, Vera Tamaklow, Nannie Staton, Elaine Dunn and Gwen Gadson. Their dedication, devotion and attention to Ted during his illness is greatly appreciated.
Mr. Broecker's Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 6400 Newport Avenue, Norfolk. The burial will be private. Reverend Father Joseph H. Metzger III will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children, 6171 Kempsville Circle, Norfolk, VA 23502 or to a charity of choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Norfolk chapel is handling arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com