April 16, 1937 – April 5, 2013
Ted passed away at home in the Castro after a brief hospitalization for pneumonia. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Ted received a Bachelor of Arts in English, and continued his advanced education in Chicago and San Francisco. He was an Army veteran. In the late 1960s he traveled the world as a buyer for Macy's California.
Ted's loving partner of 36 years in life and work was John Hershey. In 1980 they formed Hershey Multimedia Inc., and for 27 years produced media for corporate clients. Their South of Market studio was refurbished and built by Ted to his design.
Ted was the backbone of the firm as creative director, business manager, scriptwriter, and inventive keeper of the company's public image. As he modestly explained, "I am 'words' and John is 'pictures.'"
His enthusiasm was beyond compare. In his personal life with John, they marched for gay rights with Harvey Milk. When John rode in AIDS/LifeCycle, Ted was there for the cause, serving carbo-loading meals, creating artful helmet headdresses John wore in the ALC Pride contingent, and cheering on the riders.
Ted is survived by two brothers and a huge family of friends who loved him. His partner misses him deeply.
A celebration of life will be held August 2. Donations in his name can be made to Food for Thought in Forestville, California, and PAWS in San Francisco.