Ted J. Stolarczyk

Ted J. Stolarczyk, age 92 of Marion, Ohio, cashed in his chips on July 16, 2024 at the Kingston Residence facility. His son, Michael was by his side as this life-long rounder arose to his chair in the big casino's poker room. Our heart-felt thanks to Marion General Hospital, Kingston, and Capital City Hospice for their care and support during his last few days of life.
He was born in New Cumberland, WV on the Ides of March (March 15th), 1932 to the late Mary Ann (Zumer) and Joseph Michael Stolarczyk. His wife of 68 years, Mary Ann (Sanzeri) Stolarczyk preceded him in death just this year on May 13th. Survived by his son, Michael, along with Ted's sister, Emily (Stolarczyk) Blanda. Michael is married to Pamela (Lissmann) Stolarczyk, and they have three adult children, Maxwell, Nathaniel, and Eva Pilar.
He graduated from New Cumberland High School in 1950 and then attended West Liberty University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1954. During his time at WLU, Ted earned six varsity letters while starring on the school's baseball and football teams. Stolarczyk was a rare four-year letterman for WL's baseball team, compiling a fine.315 batting average over his four-year career while playing centerfield, right field, and second base when he wasn't on the mound. He was enshrined in West Liberty University's Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
One of Ted's proudest achievements was serving on active duty from 1954 to 1956 as a Staff Sargent in the Army's Third Armored Division from Fort Knox, KY. Ted received a National Defence Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal while stationed at Fort Wadsworth, NY. He was honorably discharged in '56, but remained in the Army Reserve for another 10 years.
He met Mary Ann at West Liberty in 1953, and after her graduation, they were married in 1956.
Ted and Mary Ann moved to Marion that same year. Both joined the Marion City School system where Ted was an educator for over 35 years. He served as principal at Silver Street, Mark Street, Baker Middle, and Taft Middle schools. During the early 60's Ted continued his post-graduate studies by receiving his Master's Degree in Education Administration from West Virginia University.
Ted prided himself on always giving the underdog, under-privileged, and at-risk students additional support to succeed in school. He made sure these kids received free breakfasts & lunches, personal tutoring to catch up their reading and arithmetic, and he was the benefactor for many Marion City Schools' athletes. He was a consummate instructor and school administrator, always ensuring that the student was the top priority.
Comfortable at the track, no matter if thoroughbreds, trotters, or the dogs were running, "Teddy" was a meticulous handicapper. Always looking for a parlay or a wheel bet that would take advantage of a "dawg" forgoing the touts, schills, and tip sheets. Ted's eyes would twinkle at the post. His poker acumen tilted to aggressive and reckless at times, but he always seemed to win more, than he lost. He loved hanging out at the K-of-C with Carl, Gene, Skip, Don and the rogues' gallery of patrons & staff "playing pull tabs" and having beers. He often generously shared the proceeds of his efforts with those around him.
Lastly, he cherished being a part of his large family of sisters and friends, from Rich & Ellen Rees, Emil & Nicki Rubcich, and Tom & Connie Pannett in Marion, to Ted's siblings & brothers-in-law, Emily & John Blanda, Lee & Clarence Buck, Virginia & James McMenamin, Darlene & Sam McNeil, Sophie & Bill Simon, his beloved sister Josephine, nieces Karen & Kathy, and nephews James, Billy, Jay, Rob, David and Richie in West Virginia and beyond.
He will be missed by all, but Ted has left everyone he met with an extra "ace" as their hole card, and the wisdom to not chase an inside strait. He would want everyone to know that in life, "never let the ball play you, you got to play the ball." Oh, and his simple mantra for any situation, "do something!"
In lieu of flowers please donate to our West Virginia University Endowment for Mountain. You may make checks payable to: Mountain Honorary Endowment (3V610) and send to the West Virginia University Foundation, 1 Waterfront Place, 7th Floor, Morgantown, WV 26501.
Graveside services for Ted and Mary Ann will be held at Noon on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the New Cumberland Cemetery, 512 Rolling Acres Rd., New Cumberland, WV 26047, with Father Bill Matheny officiating. Military honors for Ted's service to our country will also be performed by active duty members of the US Army and the Chester VFW Honor Guard.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Ted's family and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them via www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.