Theodore Joseph Druhot, born August 13, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Joe and Martha Druhot, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026. Ted lived a long and purpose-filled life marked by faith, service, family, and a boundless curiosity for the world around him.

Proudly Jesuit educated, Ted graduated from John Carroll University in 1956 and went on to earn his master’s degree from Xavier University. His Jesuit formation—rooted in service, reflection, and lifelong learning—became the compass that guided his personal and professional life.

In 1957, Ted married Shirley, with whom he shared 49 years of partnership until her passing in 2006. Together they raised six children: John (Karen), Debbi, Denise (Dan), Tom (Heidi), Mike, and Pete (Dawn). Ted was a loving grandfather to 12 grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to one great-grandchild. In 2007, Ted again found companionship and joy when he married Carol, who preceded him in death in 2023.

Ted dedicated more than 30 years to Catholic hospitals across the country, serving communities in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, New York, and Massachusetts. His career included leadership roles within the Franciscan Sisters’ Healthcare System, St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. His work was always guided by compassion, dignity, and a profound respect for those in need.

A man of deep faith, Ted lived his values through decades of volunteer service. He devoted time to PEP (Programs for Exceptional People), supporting individuals with special needs; served with the Red Cross, including administrative work in the Lowcountry and volunteering at Ground Zero in New York City following the tragic events of 9/11; and was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. For more than 30 years, he was an active member of St. Francis Parish, where he helped lead ministries supporting widows and widowers and the Lite of Life program.

Ted brought joy wherever he went, especially through music. A lifelong music lover and banjo player, he performed with the Lowcountry Dixieland Jazz Society and could play numerous instruments—remarkably, without ever taking a formal lesson. He learned by ear, a gift passed down from his mother and sister.

Beyond music, Ted found endless inspiration on the water. His passion for motorboats took him across lakes, rivers, sounds, capes, and oceans—anywhere adventure called. In retirement, he lovingly documented these journeys through personal essays, capturing both his explorations and the reflections that shaped his life.

Ted will be remembered as a man of service, faith, humor, music, and relentless curiosity—someone who embraced community, cherished family, and lived with an open heart. His legacy endures in the countless lives he touched and the stories he leaves behind.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Francis by the Sea on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, at 10am ET.

In lieu of Flowers please consider making a donation in Ted’s memory to a service organization that assists those in need.