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Woodward High School University of Michigan University of Toledo

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Inc.

2426 N. Reynolds Rd.

Toledo, Ohio

Thaddeus Szelagowski Obituary

SZELAGOWSKI

Thaddeus F. "Ted"

Thaddeus F. "Ted" Szelagowski, a Toledo Public Schools administrator and former principal of

Woodward High School, passed away on Friday,

September 20, 2013 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born in Toledo on November 14, 1919, to Antoinette and Stanley Szelagowski.

He was a graduate of the Woodward High School Class of 1938 and the University of Toledo Class of 1942 with a degree in Education. He received his Masters Degree at the University of Michigan. During World War II he attained the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Air Force and was stationed at various P 47 bases. After discharge from the Air Force he started his teaching career as a coach and Industrial Arts teacher at Woodward High School. During his career he served as Principal of Chase, Robinson and Warren Schools. His last administrative position was to return to Woodward where he served as principal for seven years. At the Board of Education, Ted headed scheduling for the newly built Skill Centers and also instituted Adult Education classes at the Church of God in central Toledo. He was

inducted in the Woodward Hall of Fame in 1990.

Ted was a talented football player at the University of Toledo and set many rushing and scoring records. He received professional football offers from Detroit and Cleveland. Ted's hobbies included wood working. He built his home on Worley Place and his retirement home on River Road. For many years he was a member of Chippewa Golf Course, where he played daily. Ted enjoyed watching football with family members on Sunday afternoons.

He leaves behind his wife of 69 years of marriage, Helen J. (Pluto) Szelagowski; son, Gerald (Iris) Szelagowski; daughter, Lynette (Hisham) Hebaichi; grandchildren, Dr. Gerald (Dr. Jami) Szelagowski, Brian Linker, Janine (Victor) Debbas, Zena Hebaichi, and Ferras Hebaichi; step-granddaughter, Kristy Frizzell; great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Riley Szelagowski, step-great grandchildren, Owen and Olivia Frizzell, and Gabriella Debbas, and sister, Alice Kaczmarek. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Linker; step-daughter, Kathleen Szelagowski; his parents; two brothers, and four sisters.

According to Ted's wishes, there will be no visitation and graveside services will be private for the family only. Memorial donations may be made to Cherry Street Mission Ministries or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home (419-531-4424) handled the arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Sep. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Thaddeus Szelagowski

13 Entries

Jamie Farr

September 17, 2019

Can not believe Ted has been gone for 6 years. Seeing his photo again reminds me of the pleasant times I had with him as a student and friend. A very inspiring friend and teacher. Love and sympathy to the family. Jamie Farr

Terri Maloney Mohler

September 28, 2013

I have such fond memories of Mr. Szelagowski and your family as Lynnette and I traveled through the teenage years together. He was a wonderful man, you were blessed to have him for so many years. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.

Agnes (Aggie) (Bodway) Burtch

September 28, 2013

Mr. Szelagowski was the principal at WHS when I attended there. He was a good and honest man, that had many obstacles to overcome in that time, dealing with much adversity. I always respected him and his values. Grateful to have known him. Prayers and condolences to his family.....Aggie (Bodway) Burtch, class of 1973

Linda Edelman

September 25, 2013

Good principal during a difficult time sociologically. Times they were a changing. Woodward High School was severely overcrowded and students attended school in shifts. Mr. Szelagowski handled it all. God Bless.

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September 25, 2013

I attended Woodward I have the family in prayer. Psalms 65;2

Rebecca Erd

September 25, 2013

I was twice as lucky as many others as Mr. Szelagowski was my Principal at Chase School, (I was his Student Assistant), we had a memory that will never be forgotten. I caught a beautiful snake going to school for show and tell, when I got there it turned out to be a copperhead. Mr S called the zoo and I held it until they came. He kept saying don't let it go Becky, I said I won't. Later he became Principal at WHS and I visited him many times. He definately was a impact on me and I loved him dearly. Rest in peace Mr. S and may God Bless your family! You have already blessed mine!

Bonnie Cieslukowski Weissman,'71

September 23, 2013

I remember Mr. Szelagowski well as he was the principal,when I was a Woodward student. My deep condolences to his family. he will be missed.

colleen and jerry davis

September 23, 2013

Was a great man, so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Teddy. You will be missed dearly.

Jamie Farr

September 23, 2013

Jamie Farr aka Jameel Farah 1952 Woodward Graduate. I am just heart sick over the news that Ted has passed away. He was one of my favorite high school teachers and football coach. I have fond memories of my years in school with Ted as our Lightweight and Varsity football coach. He became a dear friend after I graduated and saw him on numerous occasions when I returned to Toledo for our LPGA tournament. My sympathy and love to Mr. Szelagowski's family. Jamie Farr

Kathryn Alexander

September 23, 2013

God Bless I always liked Mr. Szelagowski he was always involved and loved Woodward. May he rest in peace and many sorrows to his family. Kathryn-Simon Alexander

Karen "73" Ratz (Fitch)

September 23, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Terry Williams

September 23, 2013

We were lucky to have this great man as the principal of our school. I had the chance to meet him at a Woodward banquet while a sophomore...seen him again a few times in the years that followed and was quite impressed that he would remember and address me by my name.

Rest in peace Ted