Theodore Henry Yaeckel Jr.

Theodore Henry Yaeckel Jr. “Ted”

Theodore Henry Yaeckel Jr., affectionately known as “Ted,” passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona, at the age of 97. Born on September 19, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ted lived a long and full life marked by hard work, determination, friendship, and a love of family, sports, music, and the outdoors.

Ted was the son of Theodore Henry Yaeckel Sr. and Anna Margaretta Brown. He grew up in Philadelphia and later spent time at his parents’ farmhouse in Telford, Pennsylvania, a place that held special memories for him. The oldest of five children, Ted was preceded in death by his siblings George, Nancy, Richard, and Louisa.

Sports were an important part of Ted’s life from an early age. He played baseball throughout his youth and young adulthood and spent time playing in the Phillies’ farm system before an injury brought that chapter of his baseball career to an end.

Ted served in the United States Army from 1948 to 1952, during the Korean War era, attaining the rank of Corporal in the Army Signal Corps. His military service took him to various locations, including Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Guam, and Japan. One of his memorable stories from that time involved a two-week voyage aboard a military transport ship to Japan. When the ship had to navigate around a typhoon, the seas became so rough that many of the GIs suffered from seasickness. Ted would recount the experience with a smile, always adding that he was glad to have had a top bunk.

While stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Ted met Melva Jean Redding, who would become his first wife and the mother of his children. Following his military discharge, they returned to Pennsylvania and began raising their family.

Ted was a hardworking and enterprising man who made his mark in the Telford community. After working for Strick Trailers for many years, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened Teddy’s, a neighborhood delicatessen known for its hoagies and cheesesteaks, which sold for about 85 cents in those days. A familiar and respected local businessman, Ted took pride in his restaurant and the community he served. He also built the family home just up the road from the delicatessen. Outside of work, he shared his love of baseball by coaching Little League and enjoyed golfing and participating in a bowling league.

In 1978, following his divorce and the sale of the restaurant, Ted moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to his children. He continued working in the hospitality industry as a bartender and banquet manager at various restaurants and hotels. Yet one of his

greatest passions was always gardening. Ted had a true green thumb and took pride in creating beautiful gardens wherever he lived. That passion eventually grew into another business, Ted’s Landscaping & Maintenance, which he operated until retirement.

Retirement, however, did not suit Ted for long. Always happiest when he had something to do, he returned to work part-time as the grounds and maintenance person at Bethany Villas, the townhome community where he lived. He cared for the common grounds and planted seasonal flowers throughout the complex, keeping the community looking beautiful. He continued this work until the age of 82, a testament to his strong work ethic and enduring love of gardening.

Beyond his work, Ted enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. In his younger years, he appreciated a cold beer and a cigar. He loved sports, whether playing or watching, and had a special fondness for jazz and big band music. A gifted dancer and natural storyteller, he delighted others with tales of his childhood, family, and military experiences. He was known as a hard worker, an honest man, and a good friend.

Ted is survived by his son, Theodore “Teddy” Yaeckel, and his daughters, Linda and Lisa; six grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, Caleb, Jacob, Hannah, and Tyler; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy and his four siblings.

Ted’s life spanned nearly a century, touching many people along the way through his work, friendships, and the communities he called home. Whether serving customers at his delicatessen, coaching young baseball players, sharing a story from his Army days, or planting flowers for others to enjoy, Ted left his mark through the things he built and the care he put into them. His independence, strong work ethic, love of life, and gift for storytelling will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service honoring Ted’s life and military service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.