Edward T. “Ted” Haines, 77, of 130 Ocean View Ave, Mystic, died Sunday evening at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.
Mr. Haines was born at Groton Long Point on June 21, 1927 the son of Roy S. and Hazel (Bistrup) Haines. He was a 1945 graduate of Fitch High School and later served in the US Navy during World War II. After his military service, Ted graduated from New London Business College.
A well-known local businessman, Ted founded, “Ted’s Pizza”, the first pizza restaurant in Mystic in 1959 and founded a second location in Groton in 1973. During this time, he and his wife also owned and operated the former Mystic Bowling Lanes. In 1980, they retired from those businesses and accepted positions as Food Service Directors at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point where they were employed until 2000.
Active in local barbershop quartets, he was a member of SPEBSQSA, the New London “SeaNotes” Choir, and “Shades of Grey” Barbershop Quartet. He was an avid golfer and Red Sox fan. In earlier years, he coached Babe Ruth Little League and the University of CT Softball League.
Ted was married to Virginia “Ginny” (Battistini) Haines in Mystic on November 12, 1949. They were to celebrate their 56th Wedding Anniversary this year. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children; Philip E. Haines and his wife “CC” of DePere, WI, Stacey A. Haines of Mystic, Allison M. Haines of Pawcatuck, Patricia E. Molina and her husband Edwin of Groton Long Pt; a daughter-in-law, Stacy B. Haines of North Stonington; a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Welles of Mystic, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Steven A. Haines who died in 1999, and 3 brothers, Melvin, Alfred “Bud” and Richard Haines.
Ted’s family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, historic downtown Mystic, on Wednesday from 6-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 10am at the funeral home. Burial is private.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Steven A. Haines Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Chariho High School, 453 Switch Road, Wood River Jct, RI 02894 or the American Heart Assoc., 5 Brookside Dr, Wallingford, CT 06492.