Thaddeus Karl "Ted" Szostak
1952 - 2016
Thaddeus Karl "Ted" Szostak
1952 - 2016
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Thaddeus Szostak Obituary
Ted lived with his partner in love, April Strickland, in Greensboro where he graduated from Grimsley High School in 1970. He went on to study architecture at the NCSU School of Design and graduated in 1976. He was a member of the NCSU's Varsity Swimming and Diving Team.
After leaving NC State, he went off to save the world with the Peace Corps and lived in Senegal, Africa helping farm workers and learning about the third world needs of that beautiful country. Coming home, he immersed himself in architecture and worked on several major projects including the renovation and additions to Duke University's Engineering School. But he fell in love with computers and made his own way: he founded and was the Chief Executive Officer for the Triangle Research Collaborative, Inc. at the Research Triangle Park where he developed applications and tools for time motion studies.
He loved his family, the great outdoors and especially bicycles. He was a longtime diving coach for the Guilford County Public Schools where he taught young divers the sport he loved all his life. Those that knew him, knew he enjoyed talking politics and was passionate about our challenging social issues. His voice will be missed.
He was predeceased by his father Bill Szostak, his brother Joe Szostak of Greensboro and his nephew Philip Rollinson of Raleigh.
He is survived by his love, April Strickland, the best thing that ever happened to him. Coming from a large family, he is further survived by his mother Eva Szostak of Greensboro, his brother Philip and his wife Rhonda of Chapel Hill, Barbara Rollinson and her husband Rick of Raleigh, his brother Billy and his wife Alice of Greensboro, his sister Eva Szostak of Raleigh and his many nieces; Sara Szostak and her partner Phil Allison, Rebecca Szostak, Anna Szostak and her partner, Randall Greeson, Somer and Jewel Szostak, Angel Patrick, and nephews Will Rollinson and his wife Kathleen, and Zac Szostak. He will definitely be missed by his cherished dogs, Wrigley and Cleo.
A memorial service in celebration of Ted's life will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 220 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC at 11:00 am Friday, March 18th. A visitation will be held at his mother's home in Greensboro at 4503 Kenbridge Drive (27410) from 6pm-9pm on Thursday, March 17th.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Children's Home Society of NC, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.
Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is serving the Szostak family. Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 13, 2016
I just found out about Ted's passing. Ted and I were teammates at NCSU. I remember Ted among a crew of fearless competitors who were divers while I was at State. I remember his quiet, unassuming courage most of all. My prayers are with Ted and your family. Peace be with all of you.
Jim Schliestett (Charlotte, NC)
Thomas Duke
April 12, 2016
I roomed with Ted one summer as we were teammates, classmates and friends. He was fearless on the diving board and it's sad to hear he has passed on.
My condolences to his family. He was a good man.
Bebe Snyder
March 27, 2016
So very sorry you've lost Ted, Phil. It's so hard to accept when someone you love so much is gone. He's in you and your family's hearts every day. Here's to an amazing man from an amazing family. Hugs
Robert Teer
March 21, 2016
Ted was a good friend and tenant for over 20 years. We talked often and I was always in awe with what he was working on. May I offer my condolences to the family in this difficult time. Regards - Robert D. Teer, Jr Durham N C
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Sharon Shepard
March 19, 2016
Ted got my daughter started in diving last year. Even though she started as a junior, he encouraged her to compete and she has really enjoyed and grown from the sport. I will miss his smile and green MiniCooper at the GAC. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Ted with the community.
Karen Culbreth Harrison
March 18, 2016
I am thinking of all of you today who are attending the service at OLG. My arms are around April, the Szostak family, and the many friends and relatives who are mourning this tragic loss. Ted, you enhanced our lives. I give thanks for you and wish you peace. Love, Karen
Jan Alexander Szymanski
March 17, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to all the Szostak family. Ted was a bright light in my life, and I will miss him dearly. May God bless you all.
Donna (Danuta) Toney
March 17, 2016
May you find comfort in the arms of an angel ,for God has you in his keeping, and we have you in our hearts and memories for always
Barbara Moore
March 16, 2016
We are all so saddened by this sudden loss of our good friend and comrade....he was always there if you needed him to talk or listen....many walks in the woods with our dogs bring back good memories of recent times together. May the Szostak family find peace and strength, love and friends.
Bob & Susan Daly
March 15, 2016
We are so sorry to hear the news of Teds passing. Our thoughts and prayers to all of the Szostak family. And for our special friends, the Rollinsons, we send our love and deepest sympathy during this sad time.
Edie Szyperski
March 15, 2016
Prayers and sincere condolences to all the Szostak family. Ever grateful for our Catholic Faith that assures us that we will see Teddy again. May he rest in the peace and love of God.
Lin Paulson
March 15, 2016
I send my sympathy to all the Szostak family.
Mary Spain
March 15, 2016
Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family !!!
March 15, 2016
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Ted, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Senegal.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Norbert & Peggy Schneider
March 15, 2016
We are sorry to hear about Ted's death. Our warm thoughts to all the family. We extend special regards to Eva, who was always close to my parents. We send our love and heart-felt sympathy
to all the Szostaks.
Nance Longworth
March 15, 2016
My condolences to the Szostak family. Ted was a genuine, kind and loving man. I remember so many good times with Ted and friends full of laughter and riddled with political debate. You will be so missed!
Chris Padgett
March 15, 2016
Ted and all our cousins played a large part in our growing up as first generation Americans. He was a mischievous boy, a collegiate diver and a passionate man with strong beliefs. As an architect he designed the floor plan of the first house we built. As an engineer he used to discuss designs with my engineer husband. He will leave a hole in the fabric of our family that will be slow to mend. Much love to my Szostak family and the memories of Ted.
Elizabeth Davies
March 14, 2016
Ted will be missed. He was a vibrant soul and loved over time and distance.
Kathryn Coladonato
March 14, 2016
Coach Ted had nothing but wonderful things to say about all of his divers, myself included. He pushed me to do dives I did not think I could do; for that, I am eternally grateful. I will miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Theresa Teichman
March 14, 2016
Ted was a deeply passionate person sharing his voice to support all who he believed were downtrodden or were suffering, Having many occasions to debate and argue on a wide variety of subjects through both shared years as one of his many classmates and as a friend on social media, the loss of his voice will create a deafening silence. I send sincere condolences to April Strickland, his life partner, and all his family. Theresa Teichman
George Cholewczynski
March 14, 2016
Ted was my dear friend, and truly one of the "good people" who walked this earth.
He has helped and inspired me, and the world is diminished without his presence.
We Miss You and Your Gentle Warmth Guy . . .
George F Cholewczynski and Marie K Erickson
New Orleans
Our handsome athletic cousin Ted
Anna (Hania) Wing
March 14, 2016
May God bless Aunt Eva, Phillip, Barbara, Evie, Billie and all the Szostak family members with His comfort and grace at this time of sorrow and remembrances. Teddy will certainly be missed by all who knew him and loved him. A family gathering was always an adventure and we will never forget those precious years and memories.
- From the Szymanski family with love.
Becky Hall
March 14, 2016
How blessed we all are that we had the privilege of knowing Ted Szostak. What a kind, caring person. My deepest sympathy to April, Mrs. Szostak, all Ted's family and his friends.
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