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Theodore Xenelis Obituary
Theodore Costas Xenelis, affectionately known as Ted, passed away peacefully at his home on November 6, 2024, at the age of 78. He was born on May 14, 1946, in Middletown, CT to the late Costas N. Xenelis and Jessie (Anuszkiewicz) Xenelis. Ted was a beacon of love and strength who touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Ted spent his childhood working alongside his parents and brothers, Nicholas and Eli, at the family business, Middlesex Fruitery, a staple of Middletown, CT from 1923 until its closing in 2014. He attended Rider University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration, where he met his wife Mary (Kern) Xenelis. After briefly serving in the Army stationed in Korea, Ted, along with Mary, returned to Middletown to start their family and continue working at the family business, eventually taking over management of the store. Many loyal customers at "The Fruitery" would often be greeted by Ted with a friendly hello, an off-key tune, recommendations for the best produce of the day, and a breeze as he whisked by them onto his next task.
The highlight of his year was his annual summer vacation at the New Jersey shore with his family. Ted could be found during the day spending hours in the ocean body surfing and playing in the waves with his children and later grandchildren. After a day at the beach, he spent his evenings cooking dinner and enjoying a scotch on the deck.
As a husband, he was the embodiment of love and support, sharing countless warm memories with his wife of 55 years, Mary (Kern) Xenelis. A devoted father, he leaves his children, Melanie-Bevan Xenelis and her husband Paul, Kristen Lawler and Keith, and Nancy Lefler and her husband Jason. A great source of pride and happiness were his six grandchildren, Theodora and Alexandra Bevan-Xenelis, Ava and Cameron Lawler, and Madeleine and Emilia Lefler. He is survived by his brothers; Nicholas and Eli Xenelis; sisters-in-law, Layne and Joanne; niece, Melissa Porter; and nephews, Dwayne, Devin, David, Justin, and Ryan Xenelis.
He was a member of Christ Church in Middle Haddam, CT, where he found fulfillment in community and faith. Ted's life was a testament to the values of hard work, kindness, generosity, family and love. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. Services to honor and celebrate Ted's remarkable life will be held at Christ Church on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with calling hours at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. (66 Middle Haddam Rd., Middle Haddam, CT).
Ted Xenelis was truly the kindest, sweetest, and most loving man. His memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and comfort to those fortunate enough to have known him.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following organizations in Ted's honor: St. Vincent de Paul of Middletown Soup Kitchen: https://svdmiddletown.org/meals/ · Alzheimer's Association, Dementia Research: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress · Lower Cape Fear Hospice: https://lifecare.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Xenelis
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Beegee
May 21, 2025
I went to school with Ted-he was a wonderful classmate and highly respected.
Barbara Weiss
February 22, 2025
Mary and Family. I'm not in CT and recently heard about Ted's death. I am so terribly sorry and send my love to you. My many years of seeing you weekly was such a treat. We often shared our family stories so getting to know each other brought my visits much joy. Thank you for the years of goodness.
Jeannette Hodge
January 4, 2025
Dear Mary, We are so sorry to learn of Ted´s death. Our 40+ years of shopping at the Fruitery was always a treat. From our earliest visits with Gus putting apples in the hoods of our kids´ jackets, then with the incredible attention to quality by you and Ted as the years passed, and our kids grew up and we updated one another on their comings and goings. Ted was such a kind man, and we pray that you and your family are finding comfort in many wonderful memories, and support from one another as you mourn Ted´s passing. With our deepest condolences, Steve and Jeannette Hodge
Buck Biestek
December 4, 2024
Sorry to hear of Ted's passing. Condolences to the entire extended family. His spirit is with us. Buck B
Sophia Bogdasarian
November 21, 2024
Dearest Mary, Eli, Nick and extended family, I am so sad to hear about Teddy.´s passing. I have such fond memories as a young girl visiting my Connecticut cousins, going on Thio Costa´s boat and visiting the Fruitury, of course. Teddy was always so sweet, even as we grew older. Ted was a generous soul, with his kindness and his fruits! May your memories sustain you at this difficult time and may his memory be eternal. With love, cousin Sophia Xenelis Bogdasarian
Susan Bright
November 21, 2024
We were saddened to learn of Ted´s passing. We have fond memories of him and your family at the fruitery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy.
Sue & Dick Bright
Marra Giuliano
November 19, 2024
Mary and family, Ted was as much a legend as the Fruitery. I always marveled at how well you both worked together, reading each other´s minds without having to say a word. You both made us all feel like family when we passed through your door. Ted was a hard working man, caring, kind and generous. His spirit will live on. Hang on to all the beautiful memories you and the girls have. Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Arnie and Althea Liscombe
November 19, 2024
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. Ted and Mary were our landlords in our early CT years. We often laugh about the time Ted and Arnie tried to put in a closet rod searching for a wall stud. Ted had a great laugh even at his own expense. Ted was also our go to produce guy. We loved going to the Fruitery and seeing his parents and Ted in action. He was also so generous. He loaned us money to buy a lawn mower when we left their apartment to buy our own home.
Arnie also remembers that Ted was such a supportive parent when Arnie was coaching.
Great guy. The world's loss.
Althea and Arnie Liscombe
Eva Tyburski
November 18, 2024
I have the fondest memories of Ted and the Fruitery. "Do you want the apples to eat or bake?" Then, off to the back of the store for the bruised or older apples to bake with. "How many people are you going to serve?" And he would give us just enough for that many people. He and Mary were so very nice. He will be missed.
Francesca vitale
November 18, 2024
I would like to extend my condolences to the Xenelis family. The Fruitery was a special place to go. Mr Xenelis
Ted´s dad was a wonderful man.
Ted followed in his footsteps.
The way you were treated was
amazing. Rest in peace Ted.
Sue Bengtson Bastura
November 17, 2024
Mary,
It was the highlight of my week to visit The Fruitery with my girls. The fruits and vegetables were top notch. So were you and Ted. May your memories comfort you and bring you peace. With sympathy, Sue
Jack McCabe
November 16, 2024
My condolences to the Xenelis family. Ted and I grew up together in the same neighborhood. He was my best friend ...and we were classmates through all of the grammar, junior and senior high school years. Ted was the hardest worker with such a welcoming spirit. May he rest in peace.
Joyce Higgins
November 16, 2024
condolences to the family. visits to the store were always a pleasure , being helped to find just the right fruit or vegetable. Some small talk was always a pleasur
Julie Perkins
November 16, 2024
So sad to learn of this. I loved Ted. Going to the Fruitery every week was a highlight for me. I remember feeling so honored that I was finally allowed to pick my own onions, garlic, potatoes, etc. I thought, "wow, he really thinks I know what I´m doing!" until I realized that he probably let any regular do that ... pretty hard to bruise those! Another favorite Ted exchange: "Ted, do you have a website?" He rolled his eyes and handed me his business card. "It´s on the back." Which was, of course, blank.
What a loss for Mary, the family, and us all. A truly great human no longer walks the earth. My condolences.
Julie Perkins
Wendy Griswold
November 16, 2024
Mary & Family,
Our sincere condolences. Ted was a wonderful man and we have fond memories of him at the fruitery. We hope you will find comfort in all of your great memories.
Ron & Wendy Griswold
Addie Bacon
November 16, 2024
To Mary and family,
We know that wonderful memories will help keep Ted close to you. It was a privilege to have known Ted for so many years starting at Holy Trinity Church. Middlesex Fruitery was a great asset to the Middletown area thanks to you and Ted. He will be missed by all of those who knew him.
With sympathy, Addie and John
Bill and Carol Petras
November 16, 2024
To Mary and family. Sorry to hear of Ted's passing. I remember all of the good times we had growing up on Schuler Ave. Also all of the years shopping at the fruitery. RIP Ted.
Vincent LaBella
November 16, 2024
Ted,s family house was very close to my parents' home. I mosey grew up with his brother Nick but sometimes Ted would be in the mix ! Rest in piece Ted
Layne O. Xenelis
November 16, 2024
Dear family,
"Uncle Teddy" as my children always referred to him, was an example of dedication, determination and family throughout his entire life. Many years of
family gatherings, Sunday dinners, packing Xmas fruit, Mary and Ted always made everything better. Beyond special.....always loved.
Layne O. Xenelis
Joe and Karen Labbadia
November 16, 2024
Sending sincerest sympathy to Mary and family. May your wonderful memories bring comfort in the days ahead.
Joan K Pontbriand ~Higganum,CT
November 15, 2024
Condolences To The Family~ Ted Nicest Guy ~ Whom Made The Prefect Fruit Baskets ~ Fond Memories Of Middlesex Fruitery On Main Street~ Godspeed
robert gombieski
November 15, 2024
Ted was the nicest person in high school .A real stand up guy .May he sit at the right hand of the LORD forever .
Mary Pacholski Howard
November 15, 2024
So sorry to learn this news. I remember Ted in high school, he was also so nice and pleasant. My condolences to his wife and family
Terry ORourke
November 15, 2024
Rip
.
November 15, 2024
Fly high...
Fond memories of the Fruitery.
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