Theodore R. Merty

Theodore R. Merty passed peacefully in the morning of July 8, 2020. Ted is survived by his children Harry T. Merty,   Robin C. Ryan and Kimberly C. McCrohon and her husband Steven all of Worcester. He was predeceased by his loving wife Loretta (Dono) in 2018. They shared 65 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents Harry T and Catherine Merty and an infant brother, Terrance. As well, he is  survived by two God Children, Melissa Giles  and Dean  Theodore and three brother in laws, Norman Dono, Danny Dono and his wife Doris and Arthur Dono and many nieces and nephews.

Ted was born in Natick MA in 1930 and moved to Worcester in 1933 where he remained for the rest of his life. Ted attended Lamartine St. School,  graduated from Classical High ( 1948) , and Worcester Junior College (1950). He also attended Wentworth College (1951). He enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard (1951 through 1953) and the U.S. Air Force ( 1953-1957) where he was honorably discharged.  He was a member of the Guiding Light Lodge of Masons and a very proud member of St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church where he loved being a part of it’s Sons of St. Mary’s and worked with loads of energy for it’s biannual festivals.

In his youth Ted excelled in sports playing basketball and baseball. He cherished those days and spoke of his teammates often.  His career encompassed many places including Pratt and Witney, Beacon Fuel, Mass Electric, Bay State Fuel, The Yankee Drummer and lastly the Worcester Public Schools where he was most happy as a cherished custodian. ( Doherty and South High, Midland Elementary and The Taylor Building). Many people will remember Ted by the countless jokes he told or by his famous missing finger trick! The May St. School children who walked by his house everyday at dismissal had eyes of wonder when they were greeted by Ted and his missing finger trick.  He loved to see the joy on their faces.  Others will remember Ted as the “Helpless Homeowner’s Helper”. He always had his tool belt with him in case anyone needed a hand.  He could fix anything.  During his custodial years at Doherty High the class of 1995 dedicated their yearbook to him.  After his retirement Ted was honored by the mayor with a Key to the City of Worcester. These were two highlights of Ted’s life.  Ted loved to help his wife with countless parties at their family home and always welcomed people to stay if needed, including many Albanian immigrants. To honor Ted please have a joke or two ready to tell anyone you greet. He found great joy in making people laugh.  May his memory be eternal.

Ted’s calling hours will be Sunday, July 12 from 3 to 6 at St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church 535 Salisbury St. Worcester, MA 01609.. Covid guidelines will be followed. His funeral will be private.  Interment will be at Hope Cemetery.  Please Omit Flowers. Contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox church at the above address, or to the Umass Memorial Pedi Pulmonary Cystic Fibrosis Dept. 55 Lake Ave. North. Suite S 5-833D. Worcester MA 01655. To Leave a message of condolence for Ted’s family please visit his memorial at mercadantefuneral.com   The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. is entrusted with Ted’s services.