At the time of writing this, it has now just been 13 months. With the recent passing of “Yia Yia,” we just wanted to say “we miss you, PoPou, so, so very much!”

Theodore peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 in Bellingham after a brief illness. He was born 85 years ago on Dec. 24 in Herkimer, N.Y. to the late Peter and Irene Andricos. He and his mother and sister Christina Kalynycz, moved to Greece prior to German occupation. As American citizens, they were forced to return to the United States, luckily making it onto the last boat to leave Greece.

During his early years, he spoke Greek and like many children he started school needing to learn the English language. As a teenager he enjoyed playing on his high school’s basketball and football teams and driving his Model T car with a rumble seat. For many years he enjoyed fly fishing, playing golf, bowling and going for long drives with his family.

Ted joined the service and proudly served in the Navy for 30 years earning the rate of master chief petty officer. Duty stations included: Lakehurst, N.J.; Point Mugu, Calif.; Millington, Tenn.; Barber’s Point, Hawaii; Beeville, Texas; and NAS Whidbey Island.

Ted was survived by the love of his life, Joanne, whom he was married for 65 years. Also surviving him are his five children and their spouses: Donna Smith (David) of Anacortes; Theodore Andricos Jr. (Patty) of Bellingham; Dina Nichols (John) of Oak Harbor; Denise Bridgeman (Chris) of Lynnwood; and Thomas Andricos of Mount Vernon. His grandchildren: Kristin Smith, Heather Kargbo, Lauren Alder (Nick), Megan Andricos, Derek (Dionnea) Andricos, Kimberly Nichols, Michael Nichols and Larrisa Bridgeman. His great grandchildren: Holden, Dade and Beckett Alder. And his sister Christina (Walter) Kalynycz of Herkimer, N.Y.; niece Rebecca Kalyncyz and nephew Daniel Kalyncyz survive him as well.

Theodore was proud to be a member of the Elks Lodge for over 40 years and served as a past Exalted Ruler. He volunteered at bingo for many years and loved visiting with his fellow Elks members to drink coffee on a daily basis.

The Andricos family suggests memorials may be made in Ted’s name to the Elks Therapy Program.

A family graveside with military honors under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard was held on April 18, 2017 at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Mass was held at Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Bellingham with Father Michael Trevo presiding.

Arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, WA.

Andricos