Theodore Sulzberg's Obituary
On October 11, 2020, at the age of 84, Theodore Sulzberg, PhD (Ted) died peacefully at home in Boynton Beach, Florida after a three-year battle with a brain tumor. Ted resided at Allegro, a senior living community.
Ted had a rich life, full of close friends, travel, Judaism, and social causes, but nothing meant more to him than his family. He is survived by his wife, Edith, his three daughters and their spouses/partners: Marilyn Goldman (Rick Hilman) of West Newton, MA, Michelle Moore (Robin Pinnix) of Clemmons, NC.; and Joan Plisko (Marc Plisko) of Catonsville, MD; as well as six grandchildren: Joshua Goldman (Alexandra Noymer), Rafi Goldman, Matthew Moore, Amanda Moore, Theodore Plisko, and Eleanor Plisko.
Ted was married to the love of his life, best friend, and companion, Edith, for 63 years.
Ted enjoyed decades long friendships with a gourmet cooking group, colleagues, extended family members, and members of several synagogues where he was an active member. Though he lived a long life and survived many people whom he was close to, he continued to develop new and important relationships, from new-found cousins to the staff and residents at Allegro.
Ted delighted in decades of travel and adventures with his wife Edith, including many tropical cruises and trips to Israel, Russia, Eastern Europe, Aruba and throughout North America including Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. He always enjoyed local Jewish history and exploring his roots. He cherished family gatherings in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Quite competitive, he loved games, especially golf, volleyball, racquet ball, billiards, and Scrabble. He loved to fish as well.
Ted was born in the Bronx, NY and graduated from City College in New York – he was the first in his family to go to college. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1962 with a PhD in organic chemistry, he spent a post doctorate year studying at Ohio State University. Ted held many patents for his novel work in the ink and coating industry. He and Edith moved to New Jersey where he worked first for Union Carbide and then for Sun Chemical. Over the years, he served on many boards and was president at two synagogues – The Highland Park Conservative Temple and Center in Highland Park, NJ and Temple Emanuel in Winston Salem, NC, supporting these mission-driven organizations generously with his time, talent, and leadership skills.
Ted’s commitment to being a good citizen lasted a lifetime. Ted was an avid consumer of news and politics; he was always eager to engage in lively discussion of current events and was a frequent volunteer at election day polling stations.
All Ted’s life, he demonstrated to his family and friends how to see and appreciate family, friends, education, communication, and wellbeing.
When asked at a family-reunion what he considered most important in one’s approach to life, he replied, “Having an open mind.” Ted spent his life affirming the worth and dignity of all people through his work and through his genuine interest in and kindness toward everyone.
Due to COVID-19, the funeral will be attended by immediate family only.
The graveside service will be available via Zoom at 11:30am on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 with the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89808876594?pwd=aWErejV2ZHNYZ0k0V25neEh5eTJ3UT09
Meeting ID: 898 0887 6594; Passcode: 72hjK5.
A Zoom Shiva and Minyan in coordination with Temple Emanuel of Winston Salem, NC will be held Wednesday October 14, 2020 at 7PM.
For login information, email [email protected].
A Zoom Shiva in coordination with Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Pikesville, MD will be held on Sunday October 18, 2020 at 7 PM.
For login information, contact [email protected].
Please check back for additional Zoom visitation schedules.
Donations in memory of Ted, may be made to a charity of your choice.
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