CCSU Hall of Famer Ted Orzech Passes Away
Was inducted into the CCSU Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984
Former Central Connecticut Hall of Fame student-athlete Ted Orzech '56 has passed away. Orzech was a two-sport standout for the Blue Devils and was inducted into the CCSU Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984. He was a standout in both football and track and field, and was an All-New England selection in 1954 and 1955 in football. The 1954 unbeaten football team is one of just two unbeaten football teams in school history. The Blue Devils finished the season 6-0 and the defense allowed just 26 points in those six games, posting three shutouts.
ORZECH'S HOF CREDENTIALS: Football 1952-56. All New England small college 1954-55. Member 1954 unbeaten team. Leading scorer 1953-54. Record four fumble recoveries in one game 1954-55. Track 1954-56. Intramural softball & basketball 1952-56. Men's athletic association, president 1955, vice president 1954.
Theodore (Ted) A. Orzech, born on December 13, 1933, passed away in his favorite recliner on November 30, 2018 in The Villages Florida. Son of Adam and Helen Orzech of Moodus, CT, he is survived by his sister Helen Violette of West Hartford. He attended Bulkeley High School, Hartford, CT where he played football for three years, he then attended CCSU as a four year varsity starter, he earned 2nd team all state college New England. Ted served as a US Army Veteran, Post Commander, Post #32 Unionville, CT.
Predeceased by his first wife Jeanette P. Orzech (June 21, 1997) who he lived with in West Hartford for many years where he raised his two children, Philip Orzech of West Hartford and daughter Diana with her husband Scott Little of Salem. Theodore also leaves behind his four grandchildren: Jacqueline Horbal and her husband Ryan of Bristol, CT as well as their daughter, his only great grandchild Amelia Jeanette (who he proudly called AJ), Justin Cruickshanks and his wife Carmen of NYC, PJ Orzech of Newington, and Kimberly Orzech of Stamford. Theodore remarried in 2001 and now leaves his loving, caring wife Susan M. Orzech of The Villages FL and his step sons Mark and Craig Dawson. Ted is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In 1970 Theodore was selected coach of the year in CT for Track and Field. CCSU inducted Ted into its athletic hall of fame in 1984, he received the Kaiser Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award which is the highest award granted to a graduate of the University, 1988 he was selected to be co-head coach for a US track team that visited England and Russia, 2009 he was selected coach of the year in CT for golf and in 2011 Finalist for National HS Coach of the Year. His Track teams won four state championships, his track and field and golf teams earned 819 victories. While living in West Hartford he attended St. Brigid and St. Mark parishes, he was also a founding member of the West Hartford Men's Softball League and was very active in town sports leagues. Ted was a teacher in the Farmington school system for 35 years. He will be greatly missed by so many students and athletes whose lives he touched whether it was through teaching, coaching or mentoring for over 50 years.
Funeral Services will be held at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com.