Theodore J Smida

Theodore James Smida lost his long battle with cancer on Friday, January 19th 2018. He died in the intensive care facilities of Florida Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Ted, a New Jersey native and 36 year resident of Redington Beach was 49 days shy of his 62nd birthday.

Ted will be remembered by many for his extraordinary musical talents as lead vocalist and guitarist in his "Out of Control" rock band. Music was always a big part of Ted’s life. He began singing and playing in bands at the age of 12 and never stopped. Ted was among the finest rock guitarists and played several other instruments.

Ted spent many summers growing up as a dedicated member of the Cape May Point, New Jersey Beach Patrol. Ted graduated from Cedar Ridge High School in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey as valedictorian of his class. Ted held a B.A. in Music earned at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and a Master’s degree in Music with a minor in music composition earned at Florida State University.

Ted was a man who focused on certain passions. He was an avid fisherman and fished all over the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. His favorite spots were in the Florida Keys and he spent as much time as possible at his "retirement home" in Big Pine Key. He was a frequent visitor fishing the Redington piers across the street from his Redington Beach home.

Ted loved his TVR sport car and traveled throughout the state for rallies and shows with people of similar passions. He was a collector and owned a large collection of classic rock guitars, vinyl albums, fishing equipment and model trains.

Ted will forever be missed by many relatives and close friends. He leaves behind a wife Tobey, mother Lois Auld Smida, brother Alexander (Cathy), daughter Victoria, step son Kurtis (Michelle), step daughter Kelsey, nephew Greg (Rachael) and niece Stephanie (Stephen). He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth V. Smida. Ted chose to forgo a traditional funeral ceremony. Instead he opted for a celebration of his life with his friends and family at a party featuring rock music and his favorite food…pizza. And to all who knew him he left a final goodbye, "Rock on Forever."

Ted’s Celebration of Life party will be held on March 10th, 2018 at the Civitan Club Beach House in Indian Shores, Florida (18604 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785) from 12 noon till 6pm.