Theodore Simon Burch

Theodore Simon “Ted” Burch, Jr. was born to Theodore Simon Burch, Sr., and Florence Ann Nieminski Burch on January 13, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of two boys. Raymond was his older brother.

Ted passed away in Orlando, Florida, on September 02, 2021, at the age of 70 years, 7 months and 20 days.

Ted attended school in the Chicago area, attending Kelly High School. At age 17 in 1968, Ted joined the US Army serving for 3 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam where he earned various campaign awards including 5 purple hearts. While he was stationed at Fort Polk near Leesville, Louisiana, Ted met Kay Meyers through a friend. Following the completion of his army service, Ted and Kay were married in Chicago when Ted left the Army. While in Pineville, Louisiana, their first son, Chad, was born. About a year and a half after he left the Army, Ted volunteered to serve in the US Navy, where he completed another tour in Vietnam. He continued to serve in the Navy, including service as a yeoman on the USS Blandy (DD-943, a Forrestal Class destroyer). Ted retired after 20 years of service on October 31, 1989 as a 1st Class Petty Officer. Their second son, Phillip, was born on 8/8/1988, in Portsmouth, Ohio, during Ted’s last duty assignment. Following his retirement, Ted, Kay and their two sons moved to Orlando, Florida. They have remained residents of the Orlando area. After moving to the Orlando area Ted continued to work until his retirement in 2013. Ted and Kay celebrated their 50th anniversary in July 31, 2021.

Ted was very artistic, and enjoyed expressing himself through music, especially playing the guitar, and through art, having filled his home with paintings, some of which you see displayed in this room today.

Ted loved animals, garnering the nickname “Beast Master” by those who knew him well. He loved to feed the birds and care for his dogs.

Ted and Kay became a surrogate parents and mentors for many their son Phillip’s friends. Ted was often referred to as “Pops” or “Papa Burch” by the young people to whom he provided acceptance, encouragement and wise counsel. Ted loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them, often bringing laughter to the gatherings through his humor and antics.

Ted was raised in the Catholic Church, attending Catholic elementary school and becoming an altar boy. He continued to believe in God as an adult.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents, his son Chad and beloved Pomeranian “Gracie”. He is survived by his wife Kay, his son Phillip and his wife Kenyon, Sister-in law Jo Ann, sister-in law Brenda and husband Terry, brother-in-law Derrell and wife Marilyn; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; a host of friends and his Pomeranian “Foxie”.

A visitation for Theodore will be held Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, followed by a funeral service from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Burch family.