Theodore J. "Ted" Achen Sr.

Obituary of Theodore J. Achen, Sr. Mr. Theodore J. Achen, Sr., passed away peacefully at the age of 91 and was reunited with the love of his life, Catherine, on Thursday, January 30, 2025. At the time of his passing, he had the comfort of his loving family at his side holding his hands. Ted was born in Whitesboro, NY, the son of the late Theodore and Dora (Alexander) Achen. He was raised and educated in the local area. He proudly served in the US Army from 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955. He continued his service as an Airforce reservist. He was a proud Korean War Veteran. Ted was united in marriage to his soulmate, best friend, and true love, Catherine E. Reid, on August 18, 1956, at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Their love story began when their paths crossed as teenagers while he sold strawberries door to door. They were inseparable and shared a loving and devoted union of 66 years. Ted was a true gentleman and devoted family man. He worshiped his wife and together they raised 6 children, grieving the loss of their infant son John, and were blessed with 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Ted was employed as a truck driver under the Teamsters Union, lastly working for CON-WAY CEX Express. He served his community as a member of the Whitesboro Fire Department for over 60 years, which included serving as captain of the Fire Police. January 9 was named Theodore J. Achen Sr. Day in recognition for all his service. Ted was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Paul's church. He delivered Christmas presents and worked on the church bazaar over the years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #1113 Whitesboro. Ted was a devoted, faithful, and strong man. A jack of all trades who could fix anything, he even built their first family home. He was playfully called MacGyver. He loved traveling especially family RV trips and cherished trips to Ireland and Hawaii. Ted was a kind, loving man with a heart of gold, a hero to his children, and a role model to his grandchildren. He loved taking his Godchild, Katie, for walks in the Whitesboro village. He became tech savvy, enjoying messaging his children and grandchildren Harley Davidson and VW bug pictures, poems and prayers. He lived to make his wife laugh and feel loved. He brought camaraderie and ease to every conversation. His love and life story will be carried by his daughters Colleen Achen-Truesdale, Donna Achen-Olney, both of Whitesboro; sons Theodore J. Achen, Jr., FL; Thomas (Kelly) Achen, Lee Center, NY; Brian Achen, NC; son-in-law Bill Coriale, FL; sisters Mary Achen, Clinton, NY; Sally Mosher, New Hartford, NY; Terry (Tom) Ball, Marcy, NY; grandchildren Corey Achen, Tomasine Achen, Justin Achen, Marlee Gleason, Godchild and sidekick Catherine "Katie" Truesdale, John Coriale, Christina Devila, Kasey Coriale, Ivori Achen, David Olney, Shannon Olney, Theodore Olney, Nicole Olney, numerous great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Theodore will be welcomed into heaven by his loving wife Catherine, beloved infant son John, loving daughter Sharon Coriale, his parents, infant sister Roberta, brothers Fred and Charles, sister Dottie. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 11:30AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 16 Park Ave Whitesboro, NY. There will be no public calling or viewing. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Catherine at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Woods Road Whitesboro, NY. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Ted's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942 or to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 1433 North 1075 W. Suite 110 Farmington, Utah 84025. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theodore Achen, Sr., please visit Tribute Store