Theodore Santa Maria

Ted Santa Maria, age 64, passed away on Monday, October 11th, 2021 after his battle with lung cancer. Ted was born in Rochester, New York to Emidio and Teresa (Tartaglia) Santa Maria. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served as a Seabee. He lived in several places around the world and the United States. He resided in Clinton Township, Michigan for over 20 years. He attended the University of Detroit Mercy, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting. Ted was employed in a variety of professions including quality control, sales, and later in life enjoyed working with his hands as a robotic machine builder in the automotive industry.

In true story book fashion, Ted met his best friend and lovely wife, Judy, on an escalator in San Diego, California after he served in the Navy. They were married in July of 1983 and spent 38 faithful years together. Ted spent much of his time enjoying many hobbies. His passion for guitar was inherited from his family and was developed over decades. He loved to entertain, especially at family functions. Ted's love language was spoken through his music. His house was always filled with laughter and music. Ted was a dreamer. Ted appreciated a challenge and was proud of what he built. His love for the water shaped the vision of his dream cottage in Lexington, Michigan which was fondly referred to as the "Love Shack." Ted also had a vast reverence for the past. He instilled these values and knowledge in his family, often devoting vacations to visiting historical locations. Ted profoundly expressed that his family was his greatest achievement and his hobbies and passions continue to live on through them.

Ted is survived by his wife, Judy (Brochu); daughter, Andrea Santa Maria; son, Dustin Santa Maria and daughter-in-law Christina; son, Aaron Santa Maria and daughter-in-law Keesha; grandchildren, Nathan and Dominic Santa Maria. He also is survived by his siblings, David Santa Maria, Mary Santa Maria, and John Santa Maria. He will be lovingly remembered by several nieces, nephews and friends. Ted is preceded in death by his father Emidio; mother Teresa; and eldest brother Carl Santa Maria.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Mary's Queen of Creation Catholic Church in New Baltimore, Michigan on Saturday, November 20th at 10:00 a.m. followed by lunch at Golden Hawk Golf Course and Banquet Center in Casco, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Ted's family or to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation would be graciously appreciated.