Ferdinand D. Tedesco

Ferdinand D. Tedesco

(July 20, 1931 - July 2, 2021)

Ferdinand Tedesco, long-term resident of Seabrook Island, South Carolina, son of Margaret L. (Russo) Tedesco (d. 2002) and Dominic J. Tedesco (d. 1958), both of New Brunswick, NJ passed away peacefully shortly after midnight 2 July 2021 in Charleston, SC following rapid onset illness. He was 89.

Tedesco was a former Public Health Advisor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA where he worked (initially in New York City) from 1953 until his retirement in 1980. He had served briefly in the US Navy while a Naval Aviation Cadet at NAS Whiting Field, Florida (c. 1952-53) until honorable release from service. He graduated from Rutgers University (New Brunswick) in 1955.

"Ferdy" was known as one full of life, and admired for his affection for all people. He was a lover of good food, Italian culture, and the company of close friends. A seasoned traveler and avid boater/camper, he traversed the United States twice with six kids and a pop-up camper; vacationed with family many times at the Jersey Shore; and enjoyed numerous summers boating and camping at Lake Lanier Georgia. Over the years, he taught countless "students", including beloved nieces and nephews the art of crabbing at dawn in Barnegat Bay, NJ; waterskiing in Georgia's Lake Lanier; and singing colorful songs in broken albeit honest harmonies with anyone who would join. He had been an enthusiastic supporter of Habitat for Humanity and the Rutgers University Alumni Association. He was fond of spending extended periods in his beloved Italy.

Tedesco was married to the former Nancy Caldwell. He is predeceased by his son Richard J. Tedesco (d. August 1998; survived by wife, Dierdre Tedesco Cox); daughter Sheran D. (Watkins) (d. December 2006; survived by husband Wade M. Watkins); and former wife Margaret A. (Cronin) Tedesco (d. August 2009). He is survived by his wife Nancy; four children (Joseph F. Tedesco (Jeanette Canada) of Charleston, SC; CDR Michael F. Tedesco, USN (Ret.) (Sharon "Miki" Easterling) of Beavercreek, OH; Susan M. Gardiner-Cump (Dr. Paul Cump) of Monument, CO; and Dr. Laura Tedesco-LeGrand (Franck LeGrand) of Charleston, SC); 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews to whom he was bound by deep, and enduring affection. Ferdinand Tedesco will be missed by family, friends, associates, neighbors, health-care providers, acquaintances, local store clerks, and many more.

Brief memorial services will be conducted at St. Mary's Cemetery near South Amboy, NJ (03 Sept) and on Johns Island, SC (date TBD). In lieu of flowers, the Tedesco family encourages contributions to Habitat for Humanity or to a favorite charity in honor of Ferdinand Dominic Tedesco.