Thaddeus J. Piekos White Plains, New York Obituary

Thaddeus J. Piekos

<p>Thaddeus J. Piekos, “Ted” to his friends and family, passed away at his home in White Plains, N.Y., on February 12, 2021. He was 101 years old. Born in Woonsocket, R.I. to the late Pawel and Julia (Skurka) Piekos, he enjoyed many aspects of his life throughout the decades. Although his college education was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Intelligence Division 51st Paratrooper Squadron, during WWII, he was proud to have served in the first allied invasion of North Africa, Operation Torch, and many Italian campaigns. He was also able to see the result of his earlier work as a draftsman for U.S. Rubber, which helped to supply the Allies with blimps and lifeboats during the war.</p><p><br></p><p>A life-long learner, he returned to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees at Columbia University, and later earned additional graduate degrees in school administration and library science. He continued to read books and many newspapers throughout his life and often spoke of how he loved the new and used bookstores that lined the streets on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He once remarked that he had a treasured collection of over 500 books by the time he was 30 years old. </p><p><br></p><p>Ted married Teresa Irza in 1950, and started a family in Woonsocket, RI. He moved the family to New York in 1956 to begin what would be a long career in mathematics. He finished his career as the Chairman of the Math Department, located in the new White Plains High School. His true love was history, however, and at one time envisioned that he would be a writer of history or economics. </p><p><br></p><p>Always curious and eager to experience new things, he thrived in the New York area. He enjoyed much of what Manhattan had to offer, in neighborhoods, cultural areas, and sports. Ted introduced the family to outdoor art shows in Greenwich Village, the old spice shops down in the financial district, the building of the World Trade Towers, Radio City and the Rockettes, skating in Rockefeller Center, shopping on Fifth Avenue and tea at the Plaza, mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Little Italy, Chinatown, Madison Diner on First Avenue, every museum you can imagine, Chock Full O Nuts coffee shops and Horn &amp; Hardart Automats, the Bronx Zoo and NY Botanical Gardens, the New York World’s Fairs - the list was endless. He knew the subway system “like the back of his hand,” and could “drive in blindedfolded” when the family lived in White Plains. </p><p><br></p><p>Ted also enjoyed many aspects of life in Westchester, nearby Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Boston. Throughout his life, he made sure that the family enjoyed many of the things he loved so much about the area – Broadway theater, opera, town musical concerts, museums, restaurants, events, and sea breezes near the shore. An avid sports fan, he favored the NY teams, with the Yankees, Mets and Giants topping the list (Ted was one of the initial attendees at Shea Stadium in 1964 while the family was across the street enjoying the NY World’s Fair.) Although he never played golf, he watched most major tournaments and could tell you all the stats on the players. Ted also enjoyed playing and watching tennis and often went to Yonkers Raceway. </p><p><br></p><p>His faith was very important to him, and he never missed a Sunday mass, even during wartime. He could often be found with his friends at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, followed by coffee and reading newspapers at Rooster’s Gedney Way Café and Market. He enjoyed sharing time with his family in Rhode Island during the summer as well as annual visits to Florida or Bermuda. An animal lover, he was devoted to his cat and always made sure the birds were fed throughout the year. </p><p><br></p><p>Living to 101 years old, Dad had a lot of stories to tell. We had Dad with us for a long time, and he was a wonderful, active, positive man. He woke every day being thankful for what life brought him (“God has been good to me”) and looked forward to new adventures. He credited his longevity and strong constitution to having had long newspaper delivery routes before and after school, and that he ate a healthful bowl of oats each morning. Still, he was partial to hot dogs and a pastrami sandwich, and appreciated fine chocolates. </p><p><br></p><p>Ted’s wife, Teresa, preceded him in death after over 60 years of marriage. He is survived by a sister, Joan Giard, of Narragansett, RI.; daughters Jan Owens of Mount Pleasant, WI; Marilyn Woodside of York, ME; and Paula Piekos of White Plains, NY.; and many nieces and nephews. </p><p><br></p><p>A funeral mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in White Plains will be held on Wednesday, March 10 at 12:15 pm. A graveside service and burial will be held at a later date in Rhode Island.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 920 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, or The Veterans Memorial Museum, 78 Earl St., Woonsocket, RI 02895.</p>
January 20, 1920 - February 12, 202101/20/192002/12/2021
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Funeral Home
March 6, 2021
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Jane Giard
March 5, 2021
Love Uncle Teddie, that's how he always signed his cards; Ted Piekos was my sweet, dear uncle from White Plains, NY who originally hailed from Woonsocket, RI. He taught me to hold my breathe and swim underwater at Spring Lake by standing patiently while we 5 girls, his 3... Continue Reading
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Joanne Geruso
March 5, 2021
Dearest Paula, Marilyn, and Jan,
I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless your beloved Dad.
Love,
Joanne Ruggieri-Geruso
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March 3, 2021
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