Theodore "Ted" Pasternak

Theodore “Ted” Pasternak, known to his many music students as “Mr P.” (or “Oh Great One”) passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 4th. Born in Chester, PA on May 24, 1956, Ted was the youngest child of Raymond and Helen Pasternak and attended Penncrest High School before earning an undergraduate degree from Philadelphia Musical Academy, a Masters Degree from Neumann College and a Ph.D. equivalent from Villanova University. He was the Band Director at Cardinal O’Hara High School, taught Advanced Conducting at University of the Arts, and most recently taught 4th and 5th grade Band at Scenic Hills and Sabold Elementary Schools in Springfield, PA. Ted’s passion for music was known by all. As a young boy, Ted spent countless hours playing his clarinet, and together with brother Ray recorded albums and played live gigs as Ray and the Rhythm Makers. He was a gifted educator, an inspirational conductor and an entertaining performer. Ted took equal pride in playing at Carnegie Hall with legendary greats such as Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti or playing in the Band Room with his many devoted students. He instilled his love of music in his two daughters, Reveka Anne and Tristen Jax, who inherited their father’s extraordinary talent and keen appreciation for musical performance. In addition to music, Ted also brightened the world with his wit and good nature. He was a practical joker who donned “plastic teeth” and amused many with his comedic antics. He was a devoted Three Stooges fan, a sci-fi movie aficionado, and spent countless hours curating homemade fireworks shows. Ted was a formidable backgammon player with his fiercest competition being brother Ray and friend Alan Byar. He loved shuffle board, constructing his holiday toy train village, and launching homemade rockets. Unknown to many, Ted was an entrepreneur and founded “Ted’s Rocket Shop” as a young boy. He lived a life full of humor, love and kindness to all. Ted is survived by his sister Dianna Nusz (Pete), brother Raymond, daughters Reveka and Tristen, former wife Maureen (Duffy), and nephew Richard Doering as well as many relatives, friends, students and colleagues. All are invited to Ted’s Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 8 at 11:00am at St. Kevin Church, 200 W Sproul Rd, in Springfield, PA. Calling hours are between 9am-10:45am. WE INVITE ALL MUSICIANS TO BRING THEIR INSTRUMENTS TO JOIN IN PLAYING “WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD” as a tribute to Ted at the end of mass. We will then gather outside the church to play LET”S GO BAND. Following a burial at Lawncroft Cemetary, friends and family are invited to celebrate Ted’s life with food and music starting at 2pm at A.J. Stephen’s Crab House 105 S MacDade Blvd, Glenolden, PA 19036. Please bring your instruments and your favorite Ted stories. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Ted Pasternak Music Scholarship Fund, care of S.A.E.F. 111 W Leamy Avenue, Springfield, Pennsylvania, Delaware County19064-2396.