Theodore Ted Martin Migliarese

Theodore Martin ""Ted"" Migliarese, passed away late on the night of May 29, 2010, after a brief illness. Ted was the beloved heart of his big Italian family, and he lived his life as the quintessential Italian son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Meals were big, delicious, and meant to be shared; they were served up with even bigger stories and laughter. His heart, largest of all, was shared generously with his family, friends, and all who knew him. His devotion to family was a common theme throughout his life and he thrived in the happiness and love of his beautiful wife, Sara, and their children Brian, Matthew, Cameron and darling daughter, Isabella. He was overjoyed to be ""Pop"" to his grandchildren, Cannon and Sophia, and he was happy to add to his family with his daughter-in-law, Tara, his foster son, Matt, and his step-father, Arnold. His sense of family was fostered by his mother, Rose and his late father, Ralph. He was his mother's rock: As the eldest of eight children, Teddy was her right hand in the business of raising a large family. For his seven younger siblings, Gina, Greg, Jim, Tim, Rose Ann, Alyssa and Katy, this big bear of a guy (his huge heart needed a big place to reside, you see) was aptly referred to as ""Teddy"": Without fail, he called on our birthdays, cried at our weddings, and showered us and our children with love, gifts, and affection. His many nieces and nephews have so many memories of Ted, because he made every one of them feel special: Greg and Joe are thankful for Ted's love and support throughout their lives, especially during their mother's recent treatment for cancer. Maria, Greg and Christopher remember his big, warm teddy bear hugs and knuckle-breaking handshakes. For Mary and Melissa, he will remain their Favorite Uncle, a title he bestowed upon himself, but they were happy to make stick. Abby, Kimberly, Megan, and Anthony will continue to giggle over Uncle Teddy's belt, likely taking turns wearing it in his memory. Nick, Alexa and Alyssa will miss their uncle with whom they shared birthday parties, cookouts and circus outings. Michael, Rascha, Zach, Malik, and Nadra have lost the heart of their family and miss their uncle who was there for them every hour of every day. Ralphie hit his homerun for Uncle Teddy, and will miss hearing his cheers, some more appropriate than others, from the stands at every game. Maggie, Franny and Joe will always know who the real Princess is, and that he has gone on to a new and peaceful kingdom. To his friends and family, Teddy was the one you could count on to be by your side, to face your biggest challenges or to share in your greatest joys. We will all remember his colorful and poetic use of language and that, in the end, it all meant ""I love you"" in Italian. His last week was spent surrounded by those he loved as he bravely faced his diagnosis of cancer. In true Teddy fashion, he set aside his own pain to comfort his family and friends, making us laugh through our tears. His last day was the perfect Ted Day: A big family cookout with his wife and children, his mother, brothers and sisters, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, watching a Phillies game, grilling burgers and enjoying a sunny day by the pool. He went home tired and happy, and passed from this world without any doubts that his life was blessed. A large hole is left in our lives with the loss of Teddy, but he left behind much love, laughter and memories with which we will fill it. There are many ways to honor Ted's memory. His first choice would certainly be for you to let those most dear to you know that you love them. Or, in the spirit of Ted's love of children, donations honoring him can be made to the Brenner Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology and sent to Brenner Children's Hospital Development Office, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1021. A funeral mass will be held at 4:00 p.m Friday, June 4, 2010 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Buttner officiating. The family will recieve friends from 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel in Winston-Salem, NC. Online condolences may be sent to www.hayworth-miller.com.

Memorials:
There are many ways to honor Ted's memory. His first choice would certainly be for you to let those most dear to you know that you love them. Or, in the spirit of Ted's love of children, donations honoring him can be made to the Brenner Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology and sent to Brenner Children's Hospital Development Office, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1021.

Visitation:
07:00pm - 09:00pm on June 3, 2010 at Silas Creek Chapel

Service:
Service at 04:00pm on June 4, 2010 at Holy Family Catholic Church