Theodore M. Rotwitt Jr.

Theodore Matthews Rotwitt, Jr., known affectionately as Ted to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the age of 81 in Lansdale, PA. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on October 30, 1943, Ted's journey through life was one marked by intellectual curiosity, joyous community involvement, and a love for the simpler pleasures in life.
Ted's academic pursuits were a testament to his analytical and intelligent nature. He attended Thomas Creighton Elementary School in the Crescentville section of Olney in Philadelphia, where his family lived on Claridge Street in a home bought by his parents in 1946 after WWII when Ted's father was discharged from the Army Air Corp. His parents bought the home because of its relative proximity to the huge Sears Roebuck mail order facility on Roosevelt Boulevard, where Ted's father worked for 43 years.
Ted graduated in 1961 from Olney High School at the top of his class, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University), followed by a PhD in Computer Science from Penn State University. His professional career was entirely dedicated to Sperry Univac, which later became Unisys, where he was well-respected for his contributions and steadfast work ethic.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ted was a man of diverse interests and talents. He channeled his love for sports into games that were the heartbeat of his neighborhood in the '50s and '60s. Ted's prowess in "chink," a game similar to handball, was legendary, often outplaying teams single-handedly. Ted bought for himself and his younger brother Jeff Eagles season tickets for the entire decade of the 1960's until the Eagles stopped playing at beloved Franklin Field on Penn's campus.
His love for stamp collecting was more than a hobby; it was a passion that led him to found the Northeast Philatelic Society, which flourished under his leadership, reflecting his ability to bring a host of diverse people together including both experienced collectors and novice first-timers too.
When outside of his business career, music and dance were the rhythm of Ted's life. His impressive collection of music, spanning various formats from 45s and LP's to CDs, including a complete collection of Elvis Presley recordings, was a testament to his love of "Rock and Roll" music and dancing, including the "jitterbug" and other dances of his generation.
A little later in life, however, it was square dancing that brought a special sparkle to Ted's eye. It was during these dances at Penn State where he met his beloved wife, Gladys Arlene (nee Miller). Together, they nurtured the Perky Promenaders, a square dancing community that became a cornerstone of their social life at Meadowood. Ted's talent as a square dance caller was renowned, and he generously shared his knowledge by teaching others the art.
Ted was confirmed at St. James United Methodist Church on Tabor Road in Olney. While not a devout church goer, he lived his faith through everyday common interactions, spreading kindness and laughter wherever he went. Known for his quick wit and dry humor, he often reminded those around him that "A day without laughter is a day wasted," a sentiment famously echoed by Charlie Chaplin.
Ted leaves behind a loving family: his wife of 57 years Gladys; stepchildren Linda, Gary, and Mary O'Leary; brother Jeffrey Rotwitt and sister-in-law Dianne Rotwitt; nephews Douglas and Adam Rotwitt; and nieces Karen Rotwitt Perrin and Julie Rotwitt, along with eight grand nieces and nephews. Each of them cherished the joyful presence Ted brought into their lives in his typically unique fashion. Also surviving are family members on his mother's maiden-name Hahn side of the family, including cousins Maggie, Bob, Janice and John.
Theodore Matthews Rotwitt, Jr.'s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, enthusiastic involvement in the many organizations he either founded or actively joined, and a life filled with music and dance. He will be remembered as a man who embraced life's challenges with analytical precision, yet never lost sight of the importance of fun, laughter, and the human connection. Ted's memory will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.