Manville and Point Pleasant, NJ - Theodore Daniel Zydiak, age 89, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2012. He was born at home in Little Weston, Manville, NJ and lived there until he married and moved to the North side of town.

During his youth, he spent much of his time outdoors. He loved horses and managed to get one that he kept on the property. Since his parents lived near the Millstone River, he became interested in boats and spent much of his time paddling down the river. Under the leadership of Michael Kachorsky and James Fanning, he joined the Boy Scouts and in 1939, Ted distinguished himself by becoming the first Eagle Scout of Manville and was also inducted into the Order of the Red Arrow, Troop 193.

Ted served in the Marine Corps during World War II, was honorably discharged in 1945 and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. In 1957, he began a life of public service by serving on the Manville Board of Health and also served for 11 years as a member of the Manville Board of Education with one year as President.

Operating under the name Weston Electric, Ted was a self-employed electrical contractor for 23 years and wired many homes and businesses in Manville and throughout Somerset County. He worked with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local 262, Somerville for 20 years, retiring in 1989.

He spent leisure time in Point Pleasant where he kept his own boat and enjoyed many hours deep sea fishing with family and friends or spending quiet time just watching the boats going out and coming into the inlet. He was affiliated with St. Peter and Paul Church and the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Manville.

He recently celebrated 66 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Olga Leich and is also survived by his children, Wayne (Sharon) of High Bridge, NJ, Daria Hoster (Kirk) of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Marc (Maggie) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and Timothy of Millstone; five grandchildren, Ryan Zydiak of Mexico, Brie Pulec of Lincoln, Nebraska, Paige and Erin Hoster of Shawnee, OK, and Curt Meaney of Hampton, NJ, and two great grandchildren, David and Morgan Pulec of Lincoln, Nebrasaka, and several nieces and nephews, Daniel, Robert, Russell, Eugene, James and Marcia. His brothers, Steve, William, John, Joe and sisters, Anna Pulda and Mary Cyburt preceded him in death.

Always a hard-working, selfless, generous and loving man, he will be sorely missed and long-remembered.

At the family's request, a private memorial service will be held through Fucillo and Warren Funeral Home, Manville, NJ.