John Theodore "Ted" DeCoste

John Theodore "Ted" DeCoste (82) passed away suddenly on February 18, 2025, in The Villages, FL. He was born on February 16, 1943 in Quincy, MA, to John Theodore DeCoste & Muriel Louise Everett, who preceded him in death. John served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 to 1964. After the Air Force he returned home to Philadelphia, PA, and went to work at Hahnemann Hospital, where he set up their first computer center. After working at Hahnemann for 5 years he was recruited by Shared Medical Systems, and remained there in various capacities until he retired. John loved sports, especially Rugby, and co-founded the South Jersey Rugby Football Club. He remained active in the Club long after his playing days and is a member of the Club's Hall of Fame. In later years golf replaced rugby and he enjoyed playing with former SJRFC members who moved to The Villages. He especially enjoyed Tuesday and Thursday golf with the new friends he made here in The Villages. In addition, John was rightfully proud of his work with the "Wall of Faces," a project taken on by Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans, who connected photographs to all of the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. He was an avid genealogist, had an encyclopedic knowledge of Rock and Roll music, and always had a bag packed for travel. John is survived by the love of his life, Barbara (Silver), who he married on May 10, 1968; his children, Jennifer Michelle (Maura Trimble), Greensboro, NC; Matthew Everett (Jessica), Naples, FL; Mark, Paul and Caroline (Alan Peat) all of England, UK; grandchildren Rhyleigh Elizabeth, Isabella Marie, Ryan, Stephanie and Louise and great-grandchildren: Harry, Alfie, Ellie and Michael. John was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather and a true and loyal friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Contributions in John's memory can be made to: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (www.vvmf.org/give-to-vvmf) or American Red Cross (www.redcross.com) A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.