Theodore “Ted” Hespeler
With heavy hearts, we share that Theodore “Ted” Hespeler passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 91.
Ted was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. He was a steady presence in the lives of those who knew him. Ted was an honorable man who led by example, never seeking attention but always earning respect.
Born and raised on Pearl Street in Mystic, Ted graduated from Fitch High School, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track. He earned all-conference honors in both football and basketball and was later inducted into the Fitch High School Hall of Fame.
In 1949, at a school dance, he met Catherine Ackley, the love of his life. They married when Ted was 18, and together proudly raised five children. Ted and Catherine celebrated 70 years of marriage before her passing in 2022. Their home was built on love, discipline, and quiet strength. Ted was the rock of his family - always dependable, always working hard, always doing the right thing.
He coached Groton Little League for over 40 years, shaping the lives of hundreds of kids on and off the field. He never sat still. If he wasn’t coaching, he was volunteering at church, helping a neighbor, or taking care of something around the house. Ted worked hard every day of his life, not for recognition, but to make life better for those he loved.
Ted was predeceased by his beloved wife Catherine; his daughter, Dina Umrysz; and his brother and sister-in-law, Guenther “Herb” and Anne Hespeler.
He is survived by his children:
*Ted Jr. and wife Maryellen, and their children: Ted III and Cara, Daniel and Katy, Michael and KC, James and Erin, and Tawnie and Bryce Carlson
*Stephen and his son Steven
*Rich and wife Geri, and children: Katie and Jason Quinlan, Susan and Robbie Isif, Jay, Lucas, and Genevieve-Ashley Spitale
*John and wife Luanne, and their children: Tyler and Hope, Jessica and Trey Poff, and Chloe
*Son-in-law Lee Umrysz, and grandson Tom and his wife Pantea
Ted also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was deeply loved and will be missed more than words can say. After a long and full life, Ted is finally at peace, reunited with Catherine and Dina, who he missed every day.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 11:00am at the Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church, 1241 Poquonnock Road, Groton. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 6 from 12:30 to 4:30pm at the Port N' Starboard at Ocean Beach Park, 1225 Ocean Avenue, New London. Burial in Smith Lake Cemetery will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Groton Little League, a place that meant so much to him.