Theodore A Danko

How to sum up my father's life is like trying to wrestle a bronco with bare hands. Ted was a force of nature and lots of fun to be around. The number of well wishes from friends blew up my Facebook page with fun stories and testaments of a life well lived. There was nothing stopping this man; if he had inspiration and determination to accomplish a task whether it be skiing, golfing, tennis and/or sailing he set his mind and success followed. His accomplishments were plentiful and always had friends by his side celebrating or cheering him on. I referred to him as an Erector Set Energizer Bunny...many times rebuilt and always on the go. He felt that when you stop you die. He practiced this energy by never being knocked down for very long from major health obstacles, a bum left arm, and sciatica down his legs. His golf game won him monetary gain. His sailboat ownership of the "Lady Lorraine" solidified his love of water sports and his skiing skills had him as a National Ski Patrolman and then instructor through the PSIA at Heidelberg Ski Area then Blue Marsh Ski Area in Reading, Pennsylvania. If I offered the microphone to any one of his many friends we'd be here all day hearing adventurous, funny, heartfelt, true, outrageous stories of the life and times of Ted/Teddy. Ted was a good human and to know Ted was to truly know Ted. He was a straight up guy. I know that his support in me was endless.

Ted grew up and graduated (1960) from Shade Township-Central City High School, Central City, PA. He attended Mansfield College, PA where he decided to pursue Shenanigans 101. However, furthering his collegiate education wasn't in his future. Starting as a Forman at Carpenter Steel, Reading, Ted finally settled as small business owner through Little Debbie Snack Cakes with routes in Lancaster and Ephrata, Pennsylvania. After retiring he was a night security guard at the Reading Public Museum, Reading PA where he liked to feel near his son admiring the Renaissance paintings. Deciding that golf memberships were overpriced he decided to work for golfing rights. He drove that caged cart/target vehicle picking up hit balls, and finally ending his golf career as Ranger at Cape Royal Golf Course abutting his beautiful Cape Coral, Florida home shared with his wife, Lorraine.

Ted was father of 2 children, Denise Michele Danko-Daniels (Vincent) and Chad Michael. He is survived by 3 Grandchildren, Leigh, Michele Marie, and Rachael Lynn.

He carried a lasting friendship with Susan (Bickley) Wagner.

Through marriage to Lorraine, he gained family in Michelle Grace, Sue Knarr, and William Hawke, and many grandchildren through that union.

To all Ted's friends: I've witnessed the bonds through all my years on this Earth and grateful for your love and support for my Dad. His endeavors would not have been as adventurous or rewarding to him had you not participated. His good nature would not have been tested without your enduring friendships. Please hold those relationships near and dear and keep Ted alive through story-telling, joke telling, and just one more round at the bar in salute. (please drink responsibly ;))

In lieu of flowers, Be kind. Be a true friend. Buy that round. Always support the people who have stood beside you through thick and thin. It's a true testament to a superior life and one that will always mourn the passing but will be at peace having been part of Ted's long, happy life.

Thank you,

Dee Dee

Dad, May the four winds blow you safely home.

No services are scheduled at this time.