Theodore Allen Moody

1927 - 2016

Theodore Allen Ted' Moody February 2, 1927 - August 5, 2016 Spring Valley, CA After a valiant fight against cancer, Ted passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016. He died at home, surrounded by his wife and children.Ted was born February 2, 1927, to Olive Margaret (Morton) Moody and Raleigh Walter Moody and raised in Farrell, Pennsylvania. He married Loretta Olsen on November 22, 1958. He was the father of three children, Margi, Raleigh and Ken.Ted worked for Sharon Steel before enlisting in the US Navy. He served stateside as a firefighter at two dirigible bases during WWII and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal. Shortly after his honorable discharge in 1945, Ted fled the snowy winters of Pennsylvania and moved to San Diego, CA. Ted found work in the naval civil service as a pipefitter where he also met his bride-to-be, Loretta. His job took him to several San Diego Naval installations, including North Island, MCRD and 32nd Street. He retired 32 years later as a Planner and Estimator.Always fit, and looking far younger than his age, Ted truly enjoyed working and in his sixties and seventies went back to work. First for Arco as a pump repairman and later as an armored car driver for Loomis, finally retiring for good in his late seventies. Shortly after moving to San Diego, Ted obtained his private pilot license and later his commercial rating. He then purchased his own plane, which he kept at Gillespie Field, in El Cajon, CA. He used that to impress Loretta by taking her flying on their first date.Ted loved to hunt and fish with his brother and his band of buddies. He told many stories about their escapades in Northern California where he purchased a vacation home in Princeton, CA and formed lifelong friendships with the farmers in the area.Ted owned and rode many motorcycles from his teens until months before he passed. He was often seen riding in East County wearing a vest stating, "I'm NOT OLD...I'm only in my 80s."Ted was generous and preferred to quietly do helpful things for others. As an example, emergency plumbing jobs and mowing the neighbor's lawns, but he was embarrassed by any show of thanks or offer of payment. He was a Senior Patrol volunteer with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, as well as a Master Mason.Ted was always happiest in his own home, surrounded by family and friends, especially if there was something good on the BBQ grill.Ted was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gerald, twin brothers Melvin and Calvin Moody and sister, Patricia Roberts. He is survived by his sister Marlene (Gus) Lytle, beloved wife Loretta, their children and spouses Margi (Gary) Schmidt, Raleigh (Jamie) Moody and Ken (Michelle) Moody, as well as grandchildren Sommer Dunn (Robert) Elias, Kevin and Lauren Moody, and great-granddaughter, Siena Cinquemani.Ted was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. A commitment service and interment will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:00pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund (curealz.org) or FisherHouse.org.