Thaddeus J. Okolo, Sr., of Ellington, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2017. The son of the late Michael Okolo and Mary Barscz, Ted was born in Hadley Massachusetts on August 29, 1925. Ted’s beloved wife, Mary F. Okolo, passed in July 2014. They were married for 62 years. Ted served in the United States Army, in World War II, from 1944 to 1946. He served in Wales, Belgium, France, and Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1950 and worked for Pratt & Whitney for over 30 years. Ted and Mary were founding members of St. Luke’s Church in Ellington and both were very active in civic and political events and causes. Ted enjoyed skiing and camping with his family, golfing, walking with his dog, and his time spent on Cape Cod. He served for 25 years on the Ellington Town Commission in roles that included Town Chairman and service as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Board of Tax Review (among many others). He was active in St. Luke’s Church, the American Legion, and many other community organizations. Ted was an avid supporter of the UCONN Women’s Basketball Team and the Boston Red Sox.

Ted is predeceased by four siblings: sisters Nellie, Jane, and Edwina, and brother Victor. He is survived by his children Cindy Okolo and her partner, Raymond Bennett of MI, Judy Nasman and her husband Ron of CO, Thaddeus Okolo, Jr. and his wife Mary of Orange, Ellie Duell and her husband Scott of Tolland, and Robin Lampron and her husband John of Thomaston. Ted has 11 grandchildren: Maria, Robert, Eric, Scott, Stephanie, David, Jacob, Jennifer, Benjamin, Andrew, and Jonathan and 2 great-grandchildren, Mila and Riley.

Relatives and friends may join the family on October 19, 2017 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect Street, Rockville, CT 06066 from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 20, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.at St. Luke’s Church, Ellington. Burial will follow at Ellington Center Cemetery, Ellington. Donations in Ted’s memory may be made to St. Luke's Church, 141 Maple Street, Ellington, CT, 06029, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com