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Theodore Lega Obituary
Born: December 1, 1943 in Fort Riley, KS
Died: May 10, 2021 in Joliet, IL
Ted Lega
Theodore R Lega of Joliet, age 77, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday May 10 at Lightways Joliet Hospice with his wife at his side.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Marsha Lega and his adored children Ted (Corey) Lega, Stephanie (John) Perella. He is survived by 4 amazing grandchildren, Thea and Ava Lega and JT and Austin Perella. He is survived by brothers, Mark (Karen) Lega, John (Sheryl) Lega and Chris Lega. He is also survived by nieces Allison McSherry, Kristen Lega, Michelle Lega and sister-in-law Kathleen Farrell as well as his beloved dogs Roscoe and Tillie. Ted is predeceased by his parents Henry T Lega 1998 and
Marge Lega 2016. Ted Lega devoted his life and career to the joy of making and sharing music. Ted graduated from JTHS in 1962. Upon graduating from college, he took over the Joliet Central band as its director. For 39 years Ted was honored to work with the high school band students of Joliet Central. His standards were high and he always believed the students could achieve these standards. After retirement he started the instrumental music program at Richland School in Crest Hill and helped rescue the Troy school district band after the band program was temporarily eliminated by the school district. For the past 6 years Ted has volunteered at Amita St, Joe's hospital with his therapy dog Roscoe.
Ted Lega has received numerous awards during his career including an honorary Doctor's degree form Vandercook School of Music as well as the St. Geniesius Award for cultural achievements, from Lewis University. He was inducted in the prestigious American Band Masters Society. He was also inducted into the City of Joliet Hall of Fame. Ted was honored with the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. Ted received the Leonardo da Vinci Award for Outstanding Achievement in Performing Arts in 2012. In 2015 Ted received 34th Annual Chicago Lifetime Music Award from Martin's International Culture, Inc.
In 1990 Lega took over the leadership of the Teddy Lee Orchestra. The 11 piece Orchestra was started by Ted's father, Ted Sr. in 1958. Over the years, the orchestra has played for tens of thousands and performed over 9,000 engagements.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff on the 5th floor of Amita St Joe's as well as the wonderful care at Lightways Hospice formally Joliet Hospice.
Memorials may be made to the Theodore R. Lega Musical Excellence JTHS Fund, 711 N. Midland Ave Joliet, IL 60435
Visitation for Ted will be held, Saturday, May 15 from 2 to 7pm, memorial service following at 7pm.at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Lega
Sponsored by Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home - Joliet.
June Puddicombe Pekol
September 4, 2024
So sorry to hear... I just went online to see where he might be today... thinking about family and Joliet history.
Ted and my brother, Mark Puddicombe were friends, school and band mates. Long ago and now far away. They passed in the same year. Ted was always a stand out and an enthusiastic leader... he will be missed by generations of Joliet families. Sending sincere condolences to Ted´s family and to all who will remember him fondly.
June Puddicombe Pekol
Bernadette Maloney
May 24, 2021
Marsha, sorry to hear of your great loss. I n My prayers and thoughts.
Brad Zeman
May 23, 2021
I was fortunate to have been under Ted´s direction for four years (1974-1977) in the Joliet Central band. He was a great leader. Although I did not continue in a musical direction after graduation, the lessons I learned from him have stayed with me in life. Hard work, attention to detail and discipline to name a few. I still remember my first day in the band room looking up and seeing the saying across the "band" bleachers........"Results, Not Alibis". That sums up Ted in my mind. He was a great man.
My condolences to Ted´s family and friends.
Elsie Edburg and family
May 18, 2021
So sorry to hear of Teds passing.
George Pitchford III
May 17, 2021
I remember all of the wonderful years of music and concert events while playing under the direction of Mr. Lega at Joliet Central High School. He freely gave me tuba music lessons for my first 3 years at Central. He had a great personality and passion for music. My favorite band teacher and teacher overall. He will be missed.
My prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Shirley Mines
May 16, 2021
My sincerest sympathy to the family on your loss. Mr. Lega was such an inspiration to his students during his time at Joliet Central. I will always remember how he chose my son, Marlowe Mines, as drum major as a freshman because he saw the potential in him and it lifted his spirits and his confidence. My prayers are with you all.
Neal and Roxie Kauffman Family
May 15, 2021
We have so many wonderful memories of Ted and how he has taught our three sons Jared, Justin and Joshua the love with respect for music! It was always a pleasure to go with you and Ted, Marsha on the band trips to competition and also many fun events over those years. He was always such a kind man and he touched our lives in a way we will never forgot!
Gina Duffy and family
May 15, 2021
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. With so many beating your memory will be eternal. Thank you for all the years of happiness you brought to my sister through music and for making our community a better place.
Scott and Judy Nolan
May 15, 2021
Marsha and family -
Please know we are thinking of you and send prayers for your comfort. Ted was such a special man who brought the joy of music, and life to so many lives. We were blessed to have known him while we were neighbors.
Sincerely,
The Nolans
Blanca Lara
May 14, 2021
I am so truly sorry for you loss.. my prayers are with you and your family during this time. As a former JTHS alumni, I stayed my Senior year to continue to play in the Joliet Central Symphonic Band when I could have graduated my Junior Year. He was an AMAZING Band Director. I will always remember his passion and encouragement for his students to succeed. I LOVED BAND because of him. He will be truly missed. Enjoy the Big Band in the sky..
Karen Marie Ward
May 13, 2021
Marsha and Family,
Such a true gentleman, full of kindness, giving of his time and talents, and an individual who truly epitomized living life to the fullest. Words cannot express my sadness, as I remember him growing up. Praying and sending my sincere sympathy to you and your family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Annette (Benco) Hughes
May 13, 2021
Marsha and Family,
Sincere condolences to you. Ted was truly one of a kind and has guided and used his talents to bless all who worked with and knew him. I'm sure he has been welcomed into The Heavenly Band. Prayers for all!
Bob Draznik
May 13, 2021
Having played under all the McAllisters and Bruce Houseknecht I can attest that Ted upheld the traditions they did to the max. I was honored to play under his direction with the JTHS Alumni band. [email protected]
Patricia (Corrigan) & Terry Peeples
May 13, 2021
We are thinking of you and your family. Prayers to all.
ROBERT E ACHTERBERG
May 12, 2021
I played in his band. Ted was a excellent band director and was really interested in teaching and enjoying music with his students. To his family so sorry for your loss.
Colleen ZERNECHEL
May 12, 2021
My love and prayers go out to you and your family! May he Rest In Peace! Love to you all!
Char Ryan
May 12, 2021
Marsha, a dear yoga friend,
I´m so sorry to hear of Ted´s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless you and your family. Char Ryan
Greg Demos
May 11, 2021
There´s really no words. How do you even begin to talk about what a wonderful, inspirational, class-act, true legend that Mr. Lega was? There was no Joliet Central, or even Joliet without Mr. Lega. God broke the mold when he created this man, and now He has brought him home. Peace to the Lega family.
Timothy Prieboy
May 11, 2021
I was not the best Trombone player but Mr. Lega saw something in me. The world has lost a great man, Made He help the Lord counduct the choir.
Sandee Frascone
May 11, 2021
All my sympathy on your loss. I will remember you and the dogs with fond memories.
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