Theodore Hammer

Theodore Hammer
Theodore A. Hammer, "Ted", of New Milford, CT and Treadwell, NY, beloved husband of 59 years to Patricia E. Hammer passed away at home on November 10, 2017, while being held in the arms of his wife and daughter.
Ted was born on October 12, 1938 in Danbury, CT, a son to the late Theodore A. Hammer Sr and Gladys (Miller) Hammer.
For almost eight decades, Ted worked too hard, refused to follow doctors' orders, drank booze, enjoyed guns, cars and the Catskill Mountains of New York.
He also enjoyed the outdoors, landscaping, ATV riding and his dogs.
Ted , who had a very strong work ethic, opened his own landscaping business at the age of nine . He successfully ran this business for over 50 years. Ted quit school at age 15 by special permit to work full time and help his family with medical bills.
Not one to sit still, Ted also became Manager of Hoffman Poultry Farm in Brookfield, CT. Hoffman Farm is where Ted began to instill a tough work ethic in his children and other relatives including Howie, Terry and Jimmy. To this day, Ted holds the title of Master Turkey Butcher, he would coach others, "don't forget those pin feathers!"
Ted gave back to his community by serving The Brookfield Volunteer Fire Dept, where he was Lieutenant, a fire truck engineer and ambulance driver. He was also a member of The CT Ox Owners and Drivers Association for over 20 years. In 2009, Ted and Pat proudly wore the title of New Milford Village Fair Days King and Queen. Ted had a special place in his heart for Cindi Witrock and "the girls" at Carlson Physical Therapy where he exercised daily for the past 15 years.
In addition to his beloved wife, Patricia Hammer (Retallick), Theodore is survived by his son Ted Hammer of NY; his loving daughter Bonnie Weed (Hammer) and her husband William. He leaves three cherished grandsons, David Hammer, Daniel and Benjamin Weed. He leaves three great-grandsons, DJ, Paul and Kyle of New Milford.
Ted is also survived by his sister Sandra Keane and brother Terry Hammer and many nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention. Ted was predeceased by his brother Howard Hammer and sisters Connie Pacific and Charlene Lagarto. He was also predeceased by his cherished brother-in- law, Grant Retallick.
Ted leaves many long time friends and buddies with a great many stories to tell for years to come. They just don't make em' like Ted anymore.
In lieu of flowers , the family requests donations to The New Milford Senior Center Advisory Board, INC. 40 Main St., New Milford, CT 06776, or New Milford VNA Hospice, 68 Park Lane Rd., New Milford, CT 06776
A celebration of Ted's life will be at 2 p.m., November 18, 2017 at The New Milford United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Rd., with a farewell party lunch to be served at the church immediately following the service. We ask you to consider wearing Ted's favorite color - RED or a bright , cheerful color as we will give thanks for a life that was colorfully lived.
Burial will be private.
Arrangements by the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge St., New Milford, CT