Theodore (Ted) J. Meyers

Theodore (Ted) J. Meyers of Key West, Fla. and Millstone Point, Waterford, Conn., passed away at his Connecticut home on Sept. 6, 2012.

He was born in Chicopee, Mass. on Nov. 6, 1933 and grew up in Springfield, Mass., where he graduated from Cathedral High School.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and upon his discharge matriculated at American International College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958. He then earned a Master of Science degree at University of Massachusetts (Amherst), followed by two more years of graduate study in physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

In 1962, he accepted a job at the Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London, Conn., where he was employed for the next 27 years. He headed a transducer design section and was awarded several patents for his work in sonar in support of the U.S Navy. While working at NUSC he also did consultant work with the French, German, and Japanese navies, spending time in those countries as well as in the Azores and Bermuda. After retiring from NUSC, he worked as a consultant for Analysis and Technology in New London.

In 1995 Ted and his wife retired to Key West, Fla. For the next several years he was an active member of Literacy Volunteers of America serving on the board of directors as well as tutoring individuals and groups in English as a second language. He was awarded an "Unsung Hero" award by the community for teaching ESL in all the major hotels in Key West.

Throughout his life, Ted was an avid fisherman, woodworker and sculptor. He spent countless hours reading and doing crossword puzzles. Spending time with his grandchildren gave him his greatest pleasure.

Ted is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois; one daughter, Toby Flanagan and her husband, Kevin; three grandchildren, Patrick Flanagan and his wife, Kerri of Waterford, Timothy Flanagan of Key West, and Katelyn Flanagan of Waterford. He also leaves two great grandchildren, Thomas and Trey, as well as his canine companion, Maxwell.

The family's grateful appreciation goes out to Dr. Melvin Yoselevsky, Dr. Robert Olson, Dr. Rex Mahnensmith and staff (Irena, Karen, and Maureen), Dr. Jorge Barrero and staff (Irsin and Beth), Dr. Kenneth Donovan, Elizabeth Casey, APRN, Suzanne Smith, LCSW and the entire 5.2 staff at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. The family also wishes to thank Nanuli and their many dear friends for their many acts of kindness and caring.

Funeral services will be private. Donations may be made in Ted's honor to The Chi Society Dog Rescue, PO Box 1223, Red Rock, AZ 85145 or Literacy Volunteers of America (Monroe County), 1400 United St., Key West, FL 33040.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com