Theodore "Ted" Antanavica

Theodore P. "Ted" Antanavica, 80

LEICESTER - Theodore P. "Ted" Antanavica, 80 of Leicester, died Wednesday, March 31 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester due to complications with Coronavirus. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Judith A. (Dube) Antanavica, his sons; Michael P. Antanavica and his wife Roberta of Sturbridge, Stephan A. Antanavica and his wife Dana of Spencer and Dr. Pete Antanavica of Leicester. He also leaves his grandchildren; Garret Antanavica and his wife Elizabeth of Tewksbury, Marci Prockett and her husband David of Hudson, Alix Lane and her husband Nate of Leicester and Aaron Antanavica and his wife Heather of Holden, his adopted grandchildren; Immaculata, Jenny and Quinn Antanavica, 6 great grandchildren; Elise, Katherine, David, James, River and Archer. He also leaves his brothers Richard Antanavica and his wife Deborah of Leicester, Kenneth Antanavica (who coined the nickname Ted-E-Bear) and his wife Mary of Leicester and Brian Antanavica and his wife Lisa of Leicester as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters; Sandy Johns and her husband Richard, Beverly Hiltner and her husband Bill and is also predeceased by adopted grandchildren Shamal, Tynisha and Joslyn. His family truly meant the world to him.

Ted was born in Worcester, the son of Julian T. and Sophie "Jackie" (Smeagle) Antanavica and later graduated from Leicester High School. Ted was a natural leader with his charming, charismatic personality. He was a kind and generous person (so much more than anyone knows) who never had an unkind word to say.

Ted was a leader in his family business, Antanavica Construction Co, since 1978. He also balanced that with his deep-seated commitment to the community by serving on the High School and Police Station Building Committees. He served on many more committees and boards in Leicester as well as being a longtime Trustee of the Pine Grove Cemetery and Rawson Brook Burying Grounds as well as a member of the Leicester Lions Club. Ted served his community always and was a proud member of the Leicester Fire Department, starting in the early 1970's. From 1984-1990, Ted served as Deputy Fire Chief and later as Fire Chief from 1990-1992. He also served as the Town of Leicester's Parking Hearings Clerk from 1994-2021.

If we learned anything from Teddy it was to work HARD, keep your nose to the grindstone and love unconditionally. We were lucky to have known him and all strive to emulate him and make him proud every day.

At Ted's request, private funeral services and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery Leicester will be held at a later date. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made to the Leicester Food Pantry, 759 Main St, Leicester, MA 01524 or North Brookfield Hearts for Heat, PO Box 44, North Brookfield, MA 01535.

The MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester is directing arrangements for the family.

www.morinfuneralhomes.com