Thaddeus "Ted" Szmania

Thaddeus “Ted” Szmania, 71, of New London, Ohio, passed away on September 7, 2026. Ted was born to Thaddeus and Julia (Kozopas) Szmania in Oberlin, OH and spent most of his adult life in New London, Ohio. He worked his entire career at Nelson Stud, a place he stayed with for all those years and built a life that was steady, familiar, and very much his own.

For Ted, though, work was never the most important part of his life – his kids were. He wanted them to spend time outside, to be curious, try things, take risks and never fear to be unapologetically themselves. His love for them was straightforward and unquestionable. Growing up he took them traveling, hunting, fishing, dirt bike riding and ultimately left the legacy of being the greatest Dad of all time.

Ted had a particular appreciation for the simple pleasures of a life well spent. He enjoyed garage sales and flea markets, wandering through them to see what he might come across. He liked county fairs and steam shows, the kinds of places where there was always something worth stopping to look at. He could find enjoyment in an ordinary day and didn’t need much to make it a good one.

In retirement, much of that time was spent at home. Ted loved his property, and took genuine pride in caring for it. He gardened, worked around the yard and let time pass by watching the birds at his feeders. His home wasn’t simply where he lived, it was something he built a life around and cherished to the end.

He was one of four siblings and is survived by his sister, Julie (Paul) and brother, Richard (Janice). He was preceded in death by his beloved younger brother, Danny.

Ted is survived by his children, Alex (Sara) and Drew (Alexxis), who were his greatest source of pride in his life and by his grandchildren, including his cherished granddaughter Sasha and granddog “Gilly”. He is also survived by “Gus”, his beloved cat and “little girl”.

Ted wasn’t a man who needed a lot of words. He worked hard, loved his family and lived life his way.

He left things better than he found them and he will be missed more than words can explain.

In accordance with Ted’s wishes, there will be no services held. Eastman Funeral Home, New London assisted the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.