THEODORE “TEDDY” FRANCIS GACIK

The Lord called Theodore “Teddy” Francis Gacik home, after a short illness, March 26, 2023. Born on June 15, 1957, to the late Valentine and Dolores Gacik, he was a lifelong resident of Rossford. He was 65.

Ted graduated from Rossford High School in 1976. He lettered in varsity football and wore #62 with pride for the Bulldogs. Ted and his best friend, Jimmy, lifted weights for years, making him a #1 tackle. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Dianna, for 44 years. He won her over with his amazing smile, quick humor and good nature.

He worked at Libbey-Owens-Ford for three years, like his entire family, then seven years at Medical College of Ohio and finished with 22 years at Toledo Edison. He enjoyed working at the Rossford Fire Department as an EMT.

When he wasn’t working, he was cheering for his favorite teams, the first being whatever teams his son, Nick, was playing on, anything Michigan “Go Blue,” Mud Hens, Walleye and Dallas Cowboys. Ted’s other interests were chess, trivia,

billiards and reading.

Ted was proud of his family name and even prouder of his family. Nick and Heather meant the world to him. He was so proud of Nick and the man he has become. Heather was always his princess. He always admired his Grandpa Gacik, who called him “T-doe” and he enjoyed listening to his heart warming stories. Ted loved Dianna. They took care of each other and enjoyed each other until the very end– of this world–and looked forward to eternity.

Ted had a giving heart, always lending a helping hand or listening ear. His friend, Mike, said “Ted was a genuine soul,” and that he was.

Ted loved the holidays and everything about them. He loved Israel’s music, especially “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” His favorite statement was “Believe” and Ted did love the Lord.

On Angel’s Wings

On Angel’s Wings you were taken away, But in my heart you will always stay.

I will hear your whisper in the tallest trees, Feel your love in the gentle breeze. And when I find I miss you most, Inside over beautiful memories, I will hold you close. You are an Angel watching over me, With the comfort and blessings you bring.

You embrace my heart and hold it close, Forever on Angel’s wings.

– Crailin Hardy Ted you will be missed. To cherish and celebrate his memory is his loving wife, Dianna (Brunner) Gacik; his son, Nicholas “Nick” Gacik; uncle, Gerard (Donna) Gacik; sister-in-law, Michelle (Scott) Lutz; brothers-in-law, Dale (Kathy) Brunner, Rick Brunner; and nieces, nephews and cousins left behind to tell Ted’s tale.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Gacik “his little angel;” mother, Dolores (Screptock) Gacik; father, Valentine Gacik; brother, Kenneth Gacik; nephew, Scotty Gacik; mother-in-law, Virginia (Nowak) Brunner; father-inlaw, Donnelly Brunner, and his white Shepherd, Lace.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Ted at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee. A private burial will follow at Wakeman Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at new comertoledo.com. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Ted’s memory are asked to consider Shriner’s Childrens at shrinerschildren.org or Cherry Street Mission at cherrystreetmission.org.