Obituary for Theodore R. Paulding
The world lost a good man recently. On Saturday, August 15, 2020, Ted Paulding decided to leave us, simply passing in his sleep. It had been a good run. Ted had recently turned 90 years old, and had enjoyed a pleasant birthday celebration with family, even if somewhat limited by the pandemic.
Born to Roy and Mary Paulding in the small town of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Ted had a happy childhood. At a young age, he developed a strong work ethic, both in the small farm life he engaged in, and then, as a teenager making ice cream sundaes at the local drugstore. He also learned early about giving back to his community, serving as an altar boy, a Boy Scout and helping to form and run the Ski Patrol at a fledgling ski area now known as Butternut Basin. Ted graduated in 1948 from Searles High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. His skills on the basketball court helped propel Searles to the State Championship game during his Senior year, and on the football field, his lightning speed was admired by many. After graduation, he made the leap to college life at his beloved University of Notre Dame. His football prowess carried over as he quickly became a halfback on the football team, coached in those years by the legendary Frank Leahy. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury cut his football career short, but life went on, and in 1952, he graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in Engineering. His Notre Dame experience began a tradition in the Paulding and Whelahan families, leading to subsequent Domers, Saint Mary’s grads and Fighting Irish fans forever.
Shortly after graduation, Ted took a position with Hamilton Standard and moved to Hartford. It was then that his life changed forever for the better when he met, and fell in love with Mary Rose Whelahan, an undergrad at St. Joseph’s College. Mary Rose, or “M.R.” was Ted’s “Irish lass with the voice of an angel”. Romance soon led to marriage and they established a home in Wethersfield, where they embraced the wonderful little town and became active in the local community. Ted was a longtime member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, and served as its Chairman for several years. He steered his colleagues through a particularly contentious issue when the Commission debated the creation of a racetrack in town. Fortunately for the residents of Wethersfield, the ultimate vote was “No”.
Soon after establishing a home and beginning to raise a family, Ted decided to enhance his career by adding a degree from the UCONN School of Law. Combining the law with his engineering backround, he made the logical switch and entered the practice of Patent, Copyright and Trademark law, joining with Roger McCormick and Jay Teller in Hartford. Soon thereafter, the firm added Don Huber and became known as McCormick, Paulding & Huber. They are still a vibrant, active practice to the present day, and are one of the most highly regarded Intellectual Property firms in New England.
The Ted Paulding story has to include a second home and location. That would be the idyllic beach community of Old Lyme Shores. Ted and Mary Rose were able to purchase a modest cottage on Saltaire Drive that serves to the present as a source of happy memories for Paulding family members, extended family and friends, alike. Ted and M.R. transformed the beach house from a 1926-built summer home in need of serious renovation into a welcoming cottage. Ted’s handiwork, along with the love and cheer of Mary Rose, created a source of joy and relaxation for 50 years. Recently, it has undergone a wondrous transformation with the assistance of Ted’s son Ray and his wife Cathy….the Paulding O.L.S. legacy continues for generations to come.
Of the many accomplishments in Ted’s life, in his estimation, the greatest one would be his family. When the Paulding kids were in their formative years, Ted was always the supportive Dad, cheering on his sons in their sports endeavors and clapping for his daughters as they danced, sang and performed on stage. There was no greater joy for Ted than continuing that degree of support for all of his adored grandchildren. If he had any regrets as he left this mortal plane, it probably would be that he’s not able to stick around and root for the next generation…..the ever-growing group of great grandchildren that he loved unconditionally.
Ted Paulding’s legacy is simple, but admirable. A boy and man who believed in hard work, generosity to others, unwavering love for his wife, dedication to his family and contributions to his community…..not bad for a small town country boy from the Berkshires.
With a tear and a smile, we move forward with loving memories of our Dad and Grampy: His son, T.R. and wife Michele, his daughter, Martha, his son Ray and wife Cathy, and his daughter, Sarah. Grandchildren: Daniele (Nick), Nichole (Rick), Adrian (Lexie), Aaron (Allie), Kristopher (Melissa), Ryan (Lorianna), Katie (Magoo), Megan, Emily (Dylan), and Jamie (Kristen). Also, Ted leaves 10 great-grandchildren with more to come, undoubtedly. Also surviving Ted is his wonderful cousin, Christine Devanney, cousin Diane Czpiel, cousin Carl Mattson, and the Whelahan gang : Niece, Katie Whelahan Schwab, nephew Carl Whelahan (Daphne) and Molly Whelahan Ducker (John) and their families. Lastly, perhaps not linked by blood, but certainly by love, laughter and affection, he leaves Dave and Susan Johnson and the entire Johnson clan.
Special note should be made of the unfailing love, help and effort expended by Sarah in the last few years of Ted’s life. He was profoundly appreciative of all that she has done.
There will not be a wake or funeral, because of the pandemic. However, the family intends to hold a celebration of Ted’s life in the future when the sun is shining and perhaps it will be unnecessary to wear a mask. No memorial contributions are requested…..the only financial component that Ted would request is that the Boston Red Sox spend a little money and get some better pitching!
Born to Roy and Mary Paulding in the small town of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Ted had a happy childhood. At a young age, he developed a strong work ethic, both in the small farm life he engaged in, and then, as a teenager making ice cream sundaes at the local drugstore. He also learned early about giving back to his community, serving as an altar boy, a Boy Scout and helping to form and run the Ski Patrol at a fledgling ski area now known as Butternut Basin. Ted graduated in 1948 from Searles High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. His skills on the basketball court helped propel Searles to the State Championship game during his Senior year, and on the football field, his lightning speed was admired by many. After graduation, he made the leap to college life at his beloved University of Notre Dame. His football prowess carried over as he quickly became a halfback on the football team, coached in those years by the legendary Frank Leahy. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury cut his football career short, but life went on, and in 1952, he graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in Engineering. His Notre Dame experience began a tradition in the Paulding and Whelahan families, leading to subsequent Domers, Saint Mary’s grads and Fighting Irish fans forever.
Shortly after graduation, Ted took a position with Hamilton Standard and moved to Hartford. It was then that his life changed forever for the better when he met, and fell in love with Mary Rose Whelahan, an undergrad at St. Joseph’s College. Mary Rose, or “M.R.” was Ted’s “Irish lass with the voice of an angel”. Romance soon led to marriage and they established a home in Wethersfield, where they embraced the wonderful little town and became active in the local community. Ted was a longtime member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, and served as its Chairman for several years. He steered his colleagues through a particularly contentious issue when the Commission debated the creation of a racetrack in town. Fortunately for the residents of Wethersfield, the ultimate vote was “No”.
Soon after establishing a home and beginning to raise a family, Ted decided to enhance his career by adding a degree from the UCONN School of Law. Combining the law with his engineering backround, he made the logical switch and entered the practice of Patent, Copyright and Trademark law, joining with Roger McCormick and Jay Teller in Hartford. Soon thereafter, the firm added Don Huber and became known as McCormick, Paulding & Huber. They are still a vibrant, active practice to the present day, and are one of the most highly regarded Intellectual Property firms in New England.
The Ted Paulding story has to include a second home and location. That would be the idyllic beach community of Old Lyme Shores. Ted and Mary Rose were able to purchase a modest cottage on Saltaire Drive that serves to the present as a source of happy memories for Paulding family members, extended family and friends, alike. Ted and M.R. transformed the beach house from a 1926-built summer home in need of serious renovation into a welcoming cottage. Ted’s handiwork, along with the love and cheer of Mary Rose, created a source of joy and relaxation for 50 years. Recently, it has undergone a wondrous transformation with the assistance of Ted’s son Ray and his wife Cathy….the Paulding O.L.S. legacy continues for generations to come.
Of the many accomplishments in Ted’s life, in his estimation, the greatest one would be his family. When the Paulding kids were in their formative years, Ted was always the supportive Dad, cheering on his sons in their sports endeavors and clapping for his daughters as they danced, sang and performed on stage. There was no greater joy for Ted than continuing that degree of support for all of his adored grandchildren. If he had any regrets as he left this mortal plane, it probably would be that he’s not able to stick around and root for the next generation…..the ever-growing group of great grandchildren that he loved unconditionally.
Ted Paulding’s legacy is simple, but admirable. A boy and man who believed in hard work, generosity to others, unwavering love for his wife, dedication to his family and contributions to his community…..not bad for a small town country boy from the Berkshires.
With a tear and a smile, we move forward with loving memories of our Dad and Grampy: His son, T.R. and wife Michele, his daughter, Martha, his son Ray and wife Cathy, and his daughter, Sarah. Grandchildren: Daniele (Nick), Nichole (Rick), Adrian (Lexie), Aaron (Allie), Kristopher (Melissa), Ryan (Lorianna), Katie (Magoo), Megan, Emily (Dylan), and Jamie (Kristen). Also, Ted leaves 10 great-grandchildren with more to come, undoubtedly. Also surviving Ted is his wonderful cousin, Christine Devanney, cousin Diane Czpiel, cousin Carl Mattson, and the Whelahan gang : Niece, Katie Whelahan Schwab, nephew Carl Whelahan (Daphne) and Molly Whelahan Ducker (John) and their families. Lastly, perhaps not linked by blood, but certainly by love, laughter and affection, he leaves Dave and Susan Johnson and the entire Johnson clan.
Special note should be made of the unfailing love, help and effort expended by Sarah in the last few years of Ted’s life. He was profoundly appreciative of all that she has done.
There will not be a wake or funeral, because of the pandemic. However, the family intends to hold a celebration of Ted’s life in the future when the sun is shining and perhaps it will be unnecessary to wear a mask. No memorial contributions are requested…..the only financial component that Ted would request is that the Boston Red Sox spend a little money and get some better pitching!