Theodore Varitimos' Obituary
Theodore “Ted” Varitimos, 91, of Methuen, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 20, 2022, after three decades of living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Ted was born in Lowell, MA, son of the late Savvas and Helen (Michalopoulos) Varitimos. He attended the Oliver School and graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1949. A gifted multi-sport athlete, Ted earned varsity letters in football, baseball, and wrestling, and was also the YMCA Tri-State Wrestling Champion. His hard work was rewarded with a full athletic scholarship to play for the Wildcats at the University of New Hampshire. Ted’s education was interrupted to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Honshu, Japan. He played football for the 8th Cavalry Regiment in the North Command. Discharged into the 453rd Military Police Company as an Army Reserve Officer, Ted returned to UNH to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work, followed by graduate coursework at Boston University.
Early in his work life, Ted was a social worker in Lawrence General Hospital’s alcohol and drug treatment program. He later worked as a mechanic at Bruce’s Garage and eventually transferred his skills to the field of automotive sales, where he became one of the most successful truck and fleet salesmen in Massachusetts. As one of the top ten U.S. salesmen in 1979, he earned an invitation from Isuzu Motor Corporation’s CEO to tour their facilities in Japan. His hosts spared no expense, enabling Ted to see Japan as a civilian through whole new eyes. He was a partner in Hi-Ridge Manufacturing and later became the Purchasing Agent for the City of Methuen before retiring in 1998. His coworkers there nicknamed him “Mr. Wonderful”—his response whenever he was asked how he was.
It was important to Ted to give back to his community, and he was twice elected to the Methuen School Committee. He proudly voted for the creation of the City’s first K-8 school, later known as the CGS, and served on the Edwin J. Castle Fund. He also gave his time as an umpire for the St. Theresa’s Softball League for many years. Ted was a long-time member of the Methuen Exchange Club and supported their efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. Members looked forward to his Sunday-night reminder phone calls, and loved watching him play the role of Santa Claus at their annual Arlington Neighborhood holiday party—where he took pleasure in fining members who forgot to wear their membership pins. Ted was a life-long member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
He enjoyed 53 years “of magic” with his wife Madeline (Broaca) Varitimos, who predeceased him last year. Ted loved “his Maddy” with all his heart.
Throughout his life, Ted appreciated a great story and a good laugh, the perfect peach, a July tomato and an ear of August corn, a Red Sox/Yankees game, a clutch fourth-down play for the Patriots, a knockout at the Golden Gloves, the sweet songs of Linda Ronstadt and Karen Carpenter, and watching his grandchildren at the beach. He was the original “girl Dad”, openly sharing his heart with his daughters and encouraging them to never be afraid to try anything. He loved nature and the arts, which seemed to surprise many. He believed life was too short to skip dessert. An avid woodworker, Ted enjoyed making furniture for family and friends. He shared his wisdom freely, as well as some of his choice expressions, and was always willing to step in to help someone in need.
Ted is survived by his two children, Antonina Edwards and her husband, Charles of Charlotte, NC, and Eleni Varitimos and her husband, Kevin Higginbottom of Methuen; as well as his beloved brother, Nicholas Varitimos; and cherished sister-in-law, Elizabeth Heffernan of Andover. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Stephanie Margaret Edwards, Theodore Richard Higginbottom, Madeline Pamela Edwards, and Henry James Tiberius Higginbottom.
Ted’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many thoughtful and wonderful caregivers at Station B and the Recreation Staff at the Henry C. Nevins Nursing Home where he lived his last years. They extend particular thanks to his long-time aide, Janice Davis, who kept him going and smiling for so long.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Ted’s life by gathering for calling hours at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen on Friday, October 28th, between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 29th, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Melkite Church, 241 Hampshire Street, Lawrence. Interment will follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence. Masks are preferred at calling hours and the church service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Methuen Exchange Club, PO Box 1008, Methuen, MA, 01844. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Varitimos Family.
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