Theodore J. "Ted" Graygor

Theodore J. "Ted" Graygor

Neptune

Theodore J. Graygor, "Ted," passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at CareOne in Wall, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised by parents, Helen and John in Southampton, Long Island, "a 5-iron from Shinnecock Hills Country Club", Ted graduated from Southampton High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Ted enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional golfer. He began as a caddy at the age of 10, joining the family's legacy in golf with grandfather, father and uncles who also worked at Southampton's golf clubs. Ted's success as a player allowed to him to join the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA), where he has been a member for over 50 years. Ted moved to Neptune in 1956 when he joined Lou Barbaro's staff at Hollywood Golf Club. He later went on to become head pro at Asbury Park Golf and Country Club, which is now Shark River Golf Course, Woodlake Golf and Country Club in Lakewood and Twin Brook Golf Center in Tinton Falls. From there, Ted served as a teaching pro at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune and finished his career giving lessons at Quail Ridge Golf Center in Wall Township. In a 2001 Asbury Park Press article, sports writer Steve Edelson named Ted the "dean of the shore instructors" and wrote that he "rubbed elbows as a player and straightened elbows as a teacher with everyone from national celebrities to three and four generations of the same family, spreading his gospel of golfing fundamentals." Without a doubt, Ted's students and the assistants who helped him on the course were a great source of pride and joy to him throughout his life, from his assistants in the early days, Al Soles, Gary Strevell and Vic Gerard Jr., to his beloved grandchildren, Jerry Jr., Gillian, Tyler, and friend, Gregory Martz.

Ted loved football nearly as much as golf, and was a dedicated Giants fan, rooting for team Blue in front of the television when he could no longer travel to home games at the stadium. Ted's other great pleasure was his much-loved dog, Peanut, as well as Peanut's predecessors Woody, Tuffy and L.T. Ted looked forward to dining out and listening to his favorite local musicians, especially the entertainer Al Rondo. Ted possessed a wonderful singing voice himself and was an accomplished accordion player, known to impress family and friends on special occasions. He was a 50-plus year parishioner of Holy Innocents Church in Neptune who made many friends and touched countless lives throughout his journey. He is greatly missed already.

Ted was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen Graygor; his first wife, Sylvia; and his son, Teddy Graygor Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Lee Graygor; two daughters, Deborah Barbato and her husband, Jerry of Wall, and Dina Long and her husband, Robert of Sea Bright; his brother, Robert of South Setauket, NY; six grandchildren, Tyson Graygor, Gerald Barbato, Jr., Gillian Barbato, Tyler Barbato, Sylvia Pappa, Samuel Long; and one great-granddaughter, Giuliana Graygor.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18 in Buckley Funeral Home, 509 Second Ave., Asbury Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 in Holy Innocents Church, Hwy. 33 and Bangs Avenue in Neptune. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted's memory may be to Holy Innocents Church, 3455 West Bangs Ave., Neptune, NJ 07753.