On Thursday, January 14, Theodore F. Dietter, “Ted,” loving husband and father of six children, passed away at the age of 83 in the comfort of his home in Newtown. Ted is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; his brothers, Robert and Ronald; his children, Susan, Theodore, Henry, Frederick, John, and James; and his thirteen grandchildren.

Ted was born in New Haven on June 17, 1937, to Elizabeth Ames Dietter and Ted E. Dietter and raised in Hamden. Ted played hockey at Hamden High School, winning back-to-back New England championships (1954-1955) with the Green Dragons. He also received a hockey scholarship to Brown University, where he graduated Class of 1959.

Ted worked for the state of Connecticut, culminating his career as the head of programming for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). During his time with the DDS, Ted was a founding member of the Connecticut Special Olympics.

Ted also started and cultivated the New Milford High School Hockey Program and led the team to the school’s first state championship in 1992. He was also a co-founder of Wesco Sporting Goods.

Ted had many avocations and passions. He loved exercising and being outdoors. Ted ran the NYC Marathon and jogged every single day for 21 years. He was an avid fisherman and belonged to the Newtown Fish and Game club for 40 years, where he often caught his limit. Later in life, he was fond of walking the Fairfield Hills Campus in Newtown, where he was quick to strike up a conversation and was known by many of the locals. He was a mainstay at many local sporting events at the high school and college level. He was passionate about helping others and was active in assisting the homeless community and those less fortunate.

His family and friends will remember his larger than life personality, his quick wit, healthy sense of humor, commitment and love for others, and passion for living. Ted touched many lives as a coach, father, friend, and mentor, and he will be missed by many, but his legacy lives on in the innumerable lives he made richer.

Donations in Ted’s honor can be made to the Connecticut Special Olympics in Hamden and/or Regional Hospice (Danbury).

There will be no immediate service for Ted due to COVID-19 concerns, but the family plans on having a memorial later this year.