Theodore A. Secola

Theodore Anthony Secola, 96, of Pompton Plains, NJ passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2024, surrounded by his wife Barbara and family.
Theodore, fondly known as Ted, was born August 13, 1927 and grew up in Rutherford, NJ. He later moved to Mountain Lakes, NJ and then to Fairfield, NJ.
After high school Ted joined the Coast Guard and Air National Guard. He served for the 511 Air Borne Division of the Army as a radio operator and parachutist.
Captain Ted, known for his "Mega Watt Smile" was an airline pilot for 42 years, and retired at the age of 60, from Overseas National Airlines. He then became an FAA Safety Inspector for 15 years; where he continued to fly around the world as a "check pilot". Ted retired once again at the age of 75.
Ted's life was spent flying across the globe but if you asked him where his favorite place was, he would say "home with my family".
Ted is survived by his wife, Barbara Brettell-Secola, youngest daughter Wendy Gibbons and son David Carpenter. He also leaves his seven grandchildren, Theodore Havelka, Joshua Havelka, Kristen Hilliard, Thomas Havelka, Casey Jane Gibbons, Bradley Carpenter and Danielle Carpenter, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ted is predeceased by his first wife Jane Austin Secola, Sisters Marie Penna and Joan Pearsall and eldest daughter Sheryl Young.
A celebration of life will be held May 4, 2024 at 1:30pm. Service will be at Cedar Crest Chapel, One Cedar Crest Village Dr., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Cedar Crest's "Resident Care Fund".