Theodore Michael “Ted” Saydah, 93, of Closter, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. Beloved husband of Joyce (nee Ontra). Devoted family man and cherished father of Gerard and wife Judy of Middletown, JoAnne Therese of Norwood, Jenifer Saydah and fiance Kevin McGovern of Norwood, and Jill Marie Ross and husband George of Northvale. Adored grandfather of Erica Joyce DiMarzo and husband Rob, Michelle Saydah, Mary Gabrielle Saydah, Theo Saydah, and James Saydah. Dearest brother of Eleanor Sahadi of Demarest and the late Jim and George. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Ted was a proud US Navy veteran of World War II, earning the American Theatre and Victory Medals. Educated at Trinity College and School of Visual Arts, he went on to a career as an Art Director in New York City before working for The Record newspaper as a manager until he retired. Ted was very involved in local and county politics and was a Bergen County Committeeman for several years. He was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, Closter, was a lector, and along with his wife Joyce, taught CCD for many years.
He loved sports and was an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, N.Y. Mets, N.Y. Giants, and N.J. Devils. Ted also was a self-taught musician, earning first-chair trombone in the Fort Hamilton H.S. band.
Visiting hours were Tuesday, and a funeral service was held at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale. Interment followed at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, N.Y.
A charity close to Ted’s heart is the N.J. Rett Syndrome Association. Donations in Ted’s memory may be made to NJRSA, www.njrsa.org.
