Theodore “Ted” Siedlecki died on November 7 at his home in Southampton. He was 95.
Mr. Siedlecki grew up in Port Washington, where he was a distinguished athlete at Port Washington High School. He was employed by Pan American Airways, where he supported the Pan Am Clipper ships operating out of Manhasset Bay. During World War II, his work included extensive support of the U.S. Navy. He was also a member of the Naval Reserves.
In 1955, Mr. Siedlecki and his family moved to Southampton, where he worked at the Southampton Polish Hall and the Southampton Village Police Department until he joined the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in 1966. He rose to the rank of captain in its Civil Department before retiring in 1984.
He was a member of Our Lady of Poland Catholic Church, where he and his wife, Martha, were married more than 71 years ago. Other memberships included the Polish American Political Club, the American Polish Political Association and the Knights of Columbus.
During retirement, Mr. Siedlecki enjoyed watching his children grow through adulthood and raise children of their own, who in turn have begun a third generation. The one common memory of their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather is how lovable he was with children, the family said. Survivors said children gravitated to him and were drawn to his deep voice and mischievous manner, and that he will be remembered with great fondness.
He is survived by his wife, Martha (Stachecki) and the families of their four children, Patricia and Douglas Dwyer, Marcia and Charles Zuhoski, Theodore Siedlecki Jr. and Aron Teel, and James Siedlecki and Marilyn Quinn. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was on Sunday, November 10, at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was said on Monday, November 11, at Our Lady of Poland Church in Southampton. Interment followed with full military honors at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Southampton.
on Nov 11, 2013