Jordan N Theodore

Life Early On

Jordan N. Theodore (Ted), 87, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, September 1st, in his home with his brother at his side. Ted was a motivated and driven man who always kept himself moving and saw the glass half full. He was the type of man to say exactly what was on his mind, and never worried what other people thought. This mental determination is what helped him through the most difficult times in his life, including overcoming Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2020–2021, until it was his body that just could not take it anymore.

Ted was born in Sofia, Bulgaria on January 2, 1936, and was the eldest of three children to Nicholas and Svetanka Theodore. He was an independent, rambunctious young boy who loved walking, biking and taking the tram throughout the city of Sofia and knew it like the back of his hand. His explorative nature continued his entire life!

Ted was just ten years old when he and his family finally received their U.S. citizens papers and moved to the United States of America at the end of World War II. It was a long journey across the Atlantic Ocean on a former U.S. Naval Ship named the Marine Carp, but they arrived safely at Ellis Island on Dec. 15, 1946.

Career/Travel & Achievements

The family’s arrival took them through Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Akron, Ohio. Living in the Kenmore Area, he started by helping a local newspaper delivery boy with his route for just $1.00 plus occasional tips, until he picked up his own route for $14.00 a week. Later, he earned extra cash by unloading lumber from a box car at Hudson Lumber with a friend, while also being a gas station attendant. After graduating from Kenmore High School, he joined the Air Force where he spent the next four years (1955–1959) in radar operations in the U.S., Japan, and Korea. After his service in the Air Force, he was accepted into a four-year Electrical Apprentice Program, and earned full-time employment at Firestone. He spent the next 54.5 years working in the tire plant and machine shop, retiring in 2013.

He worked alongside friends, including his brother-in-law, Gossett Haymon Jr., with whom he and his brother, George Theodore, also began a side bar business. Together, the three owned Karam’s from 1970– 1972, and The Rose Lounge from 1972–1974. It was during this time at Karam’s that Ted met his love, Edee Abood, spending 30 wonderful years together until her passing in January 2001.

Personal & Family Life

To Ted, family meant everything! His tight relationships with his parents, sister, Anastasia Haymon, and brother, George Theodore, extended into his nieces and nephews along with Edee, and her children, Butch, Yvonne (deceased), Jolene, Danny, and Renaye, as well as their families. Over the years, Ted managed to bridge his old life in Bulgaria with his life in the United States and became our walking family historian. First, through returning to his Orthodox faith, attending in Akron with his family, and being a supportive member whenever possible. Also, by traveling to Bulgaria every two years to spend with aunts, uncles, cousins, and each of their growing families. Ted eventually gained dual citizenship showing his love and appreciation of both countries, and was gracious enough to host more than 12 family members from both sides, to either visit Bulgaria or the U.S.A. Still today, because of him, these relationships continue to flourish between our families across the ocean.

Remembering

Jordan N. Theodore will be fondly remembered for the support and love he shared with each member of his family and friends. He is survived by his dear brother George Theodore (Susan) children Anastasia (Mat Channell), Lena, Sebastian, Carl (Katy) son Anthony Schmitt, Sally (Bill) daughters Alexandra, Lucy Koppes. His nieces, Stacey (Rich) children Zachary, Anna Zahoranski, Lisa (Goran) children Sofia, Milan Pesevski. as well as many wonderful cousins and friends, both in Bulgaria and in America.

Thank you to all who gave their time to help care for Ted. Plus, a very special thanks to Laura Speaks, his caretaker, and a warm thank you to Crossroads Hospice, especially Scott, Dante, and Ashley, for their devoted care and assistance.

Calling hours will be open to friends on Saturday, September 16th between 10:00 - 11:00am at Schlup-Pucak & Wilson Funeral Home, 788 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, OH 44314. Afterward, the family will hold a private service. Flowers may be sent to Schlup-Pucak & Wilson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may also be
made to St. Thomas Eastern Orthodox Church 555 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333.