Theodore Cecil Denault

Ted Denault, 82, moved on to his heavenly home on August 30, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Lydia, who he adored with all his heart. He called her his “Angel” and he made sure everyone he knew was aware that God had brought her to him. They were happily married for 42 years. He is also survived by his two daughters, Laura & Robin, his son, Daniel, his brother Harry and wife Fran and their son Duane. Last but certainly not least, his “favorite” granddaughter Emma and his “favorite” grandson Cole, who he cherished beyond anyone’s imagination. Ted was born in Miami, Florida in 1938 where he and his younger brother Harry were raised by their parents, Elizabeth and Theodore. Ted saw that his parents often struggled to make ends meet and was determined to make a life for himself where he would not face the same challenges they did. He was exceptionally bright and set his mind on his academic studies. Upon graduating high school, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Florida where he studied engineering. With an unwavering work ethic, he went on to earn a degree in computer sciences and enjoyed a long and successful career in this field. Those who knew Ted can tell you he never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with anyone within 10 feet away and he was always armed with a warm smile and some words of wisdom. He truly enjoyed life. Whatever he did - whether designing computer systems, sailing a boat, cooking Cuban cuisine, growing strawberries, writing poems or building a house from the ground up with his own hands – he did it from the heart. The only thing that made him happier than doing the things he loved was doing them with the people he loved. He just wanted to spend time – together. He saw the joy in simple things and had the gift of helping others see it too when they were with him. Most of all, Ted was a man of great faith. He was a devout Catholic, who loved God and loved to share his faith. He also was devoted to the Blessed Mother and loved praying the rosary every day with Lydia. Has was active in many ministries in their parish at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Winter Park, Florida over the years. He was a Eucharistic Minister, a Greeter at Sunday Mass, volunteered with FOCCUS, an organization that meets with engaged couples preparing for marriage, he was active in Christ Renews His Parish retreats, and Cursillo retreats, and he was a member of the Men’s Club at the church, meeting for prayer and fellowship, helping to raise funds for various projects, and last but certainly not least, cooking and serving food, including his famous biscuits, on Fridays during Lent. One would be hard-pressed to find a man to match Ted’s integrity and kind spirit. He was a blessing to so many people that he met along his way while here with us and he will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him. Saying good-bye is bitter-sweet. On the one hand, he finally has the peace he so deserves and is resting in the loving arms of Our Saviour. On the other hand, there is an empty place in this world and in the hearts of those left behind because his ever ready smile shared with everyone he met will never shine again on this side, where we now must wait until we see him again. Ted’s family invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his memory. Visitation is on Friday, September 11, 2020 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 9001 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL 32751. Visitation and Services will be live streamed via the DeGusipe Funeral home Facebook page here: : https://www.facebook.com/DeGusipeFH/ There will also be a Funeral Mass on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 10:00 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5300 Old Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, Florida 32792 followed by a burial service at Queen of Angels Cemetery located at 1901 Queen of the Angels Drive, Winter Park, Florida 32792. If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers please send to The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org.

Theodore Cecil Denault

July 21, 1938 - August 30, 2020