Mr. Theodore A. "Ted" Camesano

WHITESBORO – Mr. Theodore A. “Ted” Camesano, age 83, went home to the Lord and was reunited with his beloved wife, Edie, and loved ones who passed before him on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Born in Utica on March 11, 1942, Ted was the son of the late Gerald J. and Antoinette R. (Solimando) Camesano. He was a member of the T.R. Proctor High School class of 1959 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education at SUNY Potsdam, graduating in 1963. He furthered his education at SUNY Potsdam and in 1966 he completed his Master’s degree, also in Secondary Education. On June 26, 1965, Ted was united in marriage with the former Edith P. “Edie” Gianotti. Deeply devoted to one another, they treasured dining out, leisurely walks, and cherished moments spent with family and friends. Together, they shared 59 beautiful years filled with love and companionship, until Edie’s passing on August 18, 2024. Ted devoted his career to educating the students of the Whitesboro Senior High and Junior High Schools, specializing in Physics and Earth Science. He bestowed his knowledge with precision and excellence, preparing his students for the Regents exams with great care and dedication. Ted concluded his teaching career in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration. Post-retirement, Ted remained close to his colleagues, forging long-time bonds that extended well beyond the classroom. He faithfully attended “Lost Weekend,” a cherished tradition among his fellow male faculty members who gathered up north every June to enjoy sports, cards, camaraderie, and great food. Ted’s signature dish, sausage and peppers, became a staple of the event. Ted cherished growing up in a large extended family and more broadly enjoyed being part of social and community organizations. The values by which he lived, centered on the well-being of his loved ones, were learned from his parents and in-laws and were passed down to his children and grandchildren. Reminiscing about his siblings and cousins gave him great comfort in his later years. A man who offered himself and his energies to his community with sincere passion, Ted was actively involved with the Knights of Columbus Council 189 since joining in 1967, serving as a past Faithful Navigator with the 4th Degree, and member of the Color Guard. At Christmas, Ted could be found ringing the bell for the Salvation Army Kettle on behalf of the Whitestown Optimists. Musically inclined, he sang in the choir at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he was a devoted parishioner and volunteer. He was generous with his time and talents, always ready to lend support. Ted was a lifelong learner and always thoughtful about what he discovered. Tech-savvy and endlessly curious, Ted developed an early fascination with Apple products and later became an enthusiast of electronic vehicles. His beloved wine club satisfied both his love of socializing as well as his intellectual interest in the wine making process and wine regions. In his retirement years, Ted traveled with Edie to much of Europe, keenly interested in the culture and history of the places he visited. Ted always taught his daughters that they could accomplish anything. As a father, Ted was inspirational and set the bar high. He encouraged his daughters in their academic and musical pursuits, attending every performance and milestone with pride. After his daughters reached adulthood, Ted sent monthly handwritten letters that included observations, reports on his doings, and even drawings, all showing his unique perspective on things. Throughout his life and even up to the very end, Ted shared his unique humor and witty observations. Together, Ted and Edie created a beautiful and inviting home in Whitesboro. While Edie focused on the inside, Ted meticulously cared for the yard and maintenance of the home. A summer’s day would find him riding his lawnmower over the extensive and perfectly manicured backyard lawn, past the tidy red shed. Many special times were spent relaxing in the screened-in garage and above-ground pool out back. At Christmas, Ted strung lights on the two trees in the front yard and put out lighted deer. Tending to his house was always a source of pride and satisfaction. Ted enjoyed being active and always made time to go down to the YMCA after work. Part of the first wave of joggers during the 1970’s running boom, Ted was an early participant in the Falling Leaves Road Race. He celebrated the Boilermaker each year as if it were a national holiday and proudly supported all of the runners from his cheering station at MVCC. Combining a way to be both active and social, Ted participated in a Thursday night bowling league for decades as well as a golf league. Up until the very end, he enjoyed watching baseball and football on TV, cheering on his favorite teams, the New York Yankees and the Jets. Ted is survived by his devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa Camesano and her husband, Dr. John W. Byers, and Beth and James Hua; and his beloved grandchildren, John Ryan Byers, Andrew T. Byers; Alex Hua, Alan Hua, and Zoe Hua. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sister and brother-in-law, Philomena and Philip Mark; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Lucille Camesano; nieces and nephews, Stephen Mark, Jerry Mark; Dr. Terri Camesano and Dr. Ramanathan Nagarajan, Alison Camesano and Eric Szczerbaniewicz, Jerry and Megan Camesano; Donald J. Lazzaro, Jr. and Kinga Kobialka, and Marianne and Jonathan Grandusky; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Francine and Donald J. Lazzaro; and treasured friend of 70 years, Paul LaFache. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vincent A. and Mary (Morice) Gianotti. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Sitrin Health Care Center, especially the Cypress House for their outstanding and compassionate care of Ted, and to the Daughter for Hire caregivers, who gave his children peace of mind and were Ted’s advocates when his family could not be present. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Ted’s honor may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research online at www.michaeljfox.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Theodore’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Theodore A. "Ted" Camesano

March 11, 1942 - October 16, 2025