Theodore Emile Virostko
Theodore Emile Virostko died Wednesday January 2, 2013 at Autumn Health Care in Coshocton, OH from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Born at home December 30, 1926 to Suzanna and Stefan Virostko in Cleveland Ohio. He grew up with his three brothers and three sisters in the projects during the depression. Ted and his brothers told of gathering coal that had fallen from trains to help support the family.
He graduated from Cleveland East Tech high school and enlisted in the Marines for WW II seeing service in China. He was called back in for the Korean conflict. His ability to type allowed him to miss combat duty and probably contributed to his life long career in journalism. After the Korean conflict Ted graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a degree in journalism and there he met and married the love of his life Patricia Anne Pyles. They were together 50+ years prior to Pat’s death in 2004.
Ted worked for INS (International News Service), Scripps Howard, the Cleveland Press, the Columbus Citizen Journal, he was a bureau chief for UPI (United Press International), he was the managing editor for the Delaware Gazette and he also managed the 101st Airborne Fort Campbell Kentucky base newspaper. He covered and came under fire during the Cleveland riots. He reported on the Kent State killings and witnessed the devastation of the Xenia tornado. He also got to cover the 1948 world champion Cleveland Indians.
Dad had the wonderful gift of being able to make others laugh and to laugh at himself. He was a mentor and coach giving of himself to allow others to grow and succeed. All the Virostko brothers are afflicted with being life long Cleveland Indians fans with Ted and his older brother having been ushers at Cleveland League Park. He remained active to the best of his abilities playing in a 70 and older softball league.
Ted is survived by his brothers and sisters; Joe, Bill, Alex, Eleanor (Rice) and Pearl (Root), his sons Ted (Robin) and Ed (Kelly) and granddaughters Brittany and Madison.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia and sister Olga (Freitag).
Ted and Patricia were long time members of Christ Methodist Church. Dad was also an active member of the Masons. The love and support of the church, the Masons and his neighbors greatly enhanced Ted’s quality of life and his ability to maintain his independence as the effects of Alzheimer’s progressed.
Per Ted’s and Pat’s wishes he will be cremated and interred with Pat at Rockside cemetery in Cleveland. Interment and a memorial service will be held on the Indians opening day in the spring.
Please make any memorial contributions to Christ United Methodist Church 1480 Zettler Road Columbus, OH or the Alzhemier’s association.
The Miller Funeral Home, Coshocton, Ohio is serving the family. An online memorial is located at www.themillerfuneralhome.com.
Category: Obituaries
