Theodore P. Zoli Jr. Obituary (1941

MORRISTOWN -- Theodore P. Zoli Jr. (Ted, Teddy, Teddy Bear) was born on March 30, 1941, in Torrington, Connecticut, as the third child of Emma (Barella) and Theodore Zoli. After experiencing health complications beginning in 2020, Ted passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at St. Joseph's Home in Ogdensburg, NY, with his wife, Joanne, daughter Eve, and dear friend, Lynn by his side. Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ogdensburg. Ted attended Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox, MA. He had a curiosity about how things worked, which perhaps began when he received a music box from his father at age 4. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 1963. Ted possessed an impressive breadth of knowledge, excelled in all fields, and was always the go-to person whenever something needed repair. Ted developed a passion for boating early in life, persuading his father to purchase his first boat when he was just six years old. Throughout his life, he boated on Highland Lake in Winsted, Connecticut, Lake George in New York, and the St. Lawrence River. Ted continued owning boats well into his eighties. Ted began working at his father's company, Torrington Industries, when he was young and helped construct multiple sections of Interstate 87. Subsequently, Ted assumed leadership of the company. Ted wed Patricia Nigro on March 30, 1964. The couple had five children and established their family residence in Glens Falls, NY, separating in 1992. Ted was actively involved in art organizations throughout his life, including the Lake George Opera Festival and the Lake George Arts Project, where he served multiple terms as President. In 1979-1980, Ted was President of the Glens Falls, NY, Rotary Club he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, taking great pride in this accomplishment. In 1982, Ted established Tribune Media Services, a company specializing in television listings. The organization was subsequently acquired by the Chicago Tribune, where Ted continued to serve as a board member for several years. On February 11, 1998, Ted met Joanne Vaillancourt in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Although there was a 29-year age gap, everyone would tell you they were a great couple. Joanne's daughter, Eve Nadeau was seven years old at the time they met. Even though Ted was 56 years old and had five grown children, he gladly embraced the responsibility of being Eve's father. Ted and Joanne were married in Clayton, New York, on August 29, 2009. From 1998 to 2017, Ted and Joanne shared residences in New York and in Ontario. In 2018, after 19 years of being together and living apart, they finally called the same address "home," a little house they both fell in love with, located in Morristown, NY. Ted was a gregarious person. Friends were always welcome, and being an excellent cook, Ted's most wonderful pleasure in life was feeding you. When at his home, you did not leave hungry. In fact if he felt you didn't eat enough, he was not afraid to tell you his feelings were hurt. Many will remember the meals from the galley on Tuition's Done. Ted was predeceased by his parents, Emma and Ted Zoli, and his sisters, Corinne Casali and Jeanne Danaher. He is survived by his wife, Joanne, his children: Eve, Elise (Jon Cosco), Ted III (Geraldine Zikely), Corrinne (John Ferris), Michael (Lauren Havens-Zoli), Thomas (Carol Chang), his grandchildren: Nathaniel, Yi Ai, Tazio, Emilia, Arabella, Maxine, Enzo, Ethan, and Malena. He is also predeceased by his fur-babies, Misty, Toby, Pacino, Sandy, and Benny. In place of floral arrangements, contributions to his preferred charities: Shriners, St. Jude's, or the ASPCA--are welcomed and appreciated. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of St. Joseph's Home for their dedicated care, compassion, and support. They also wish to acknowledge and thank the staff at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center and Claxton Hepburn Hospital for their professionalism and assistance. In accordance with Ted's wishes, there will not be a formal service. Rather, a celebration of life featuring "good food and good wine" is planned for the summer. Details to follow. Online condolences may be made at www.FraryFuneralHome.com. Ted will continue to live in our hearts. "A life that touches others goes on forever".