Theodore P. “Ted” (aka “Bugs”) Gordish, 82, of Black Lick Township, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ted was one of five children born to Theodore E. and Julia E. (Toldi) Gordish on June 14, 1943, in Cleveland, OH, and in 1946 the Gordish family relocated to Aultman, PA.
While in high school Ted began his working career as a tree trimmer at Canales Nursery. He then worked everyday for 4 years in the housekeeping department at Indiana Hospital in order to finance his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at IUP. He also participated in ROTC while in college.
Ted married his devoted and loving wife, Virginia L. (Staff) Gordish on January 22, 1966. He entered the United States Army two years later.and proudly served as a First Lieutenant during the Vietnam War, earning a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Bronze Star.
After his tour in Vietnam, Ted went on to earn two Master’s degrees, one in Mathematics and another in Mathematics Education. He taught trigonometry, calculus, and computer science among other subjects for 34 years at Saltsburg High School and also served for a time as the Chairman of the Mathematics Department of the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District. Ted also served as the president of the Blairsville-Saltsburg Education Association. He also taught courses at IUP for a few summers concentrating on how to use math in instrumental learning.
Ted also coached high school track. He was also very passionate about baseball as he won a county championship as a pitcher with the 1963 Aultman’s baseball team. He used his baseball knowledge and led the Blairsville Flames to a state championship title. He also helped establish the Blairsville Football Boosters, which raised money to help with the football program.
Ted was a member of the VFW Post 1989 and the Saltsburg American Legion Post 57. He served as treasurer and commander of the Homer City American Legion for about a decade and was monumental in the construction of the building’s addition.
He also served as a treasurer of AmVets, adjutant and treasurer of the Disabled American Veterans of Indiana County Chapter 20, treasurer of DAV District 5, and served as the longest treasurer of Indiana County Senior Legion Baseball (38 years).
Ted also served as a veteran advocate with DAV, helping many veterans receive benefits and also ran their turkey-thon for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
He was a lifelong and faithful member of Church of the Good Shepherd, where he served as a Steward of the Church.
Ted was a loving and devoted family man. He enjoyed spending time gardening, hunting, fishing, playing cards with family and friends, and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football team. He was a member at C & Y Sportsman Club.
In addition to Virginia, his wife of 59.5 years, Ted is survived by children: Jeffrey (Mary Cruz) Gordish of Jupiter, FL and Lisa Gordish of Mesa, AZ, and grandchildren, Grace and Diana Gordish, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ted was preceded in death by his eldest son, Gregory S. Gordish; brother, Edward Gordish; and sisters, Pearl Sleigh, Ramona Cushion, and Vivian Decker.
Family and friends will be received from 4-8 pm, Wednesday July 9, 2025, in the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, 500 Ben Franklin Road S, Indiana, PA. Additional viewing will be held from 10 am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 100 Good Shepherd Drive, Jacksonville, with Father Dino R. Laude as celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Indiana, Pa.
The family would like to thank the IRMC Infusion Center nurses; his nurse Ellen Gromley of the VNA; Janell, Sam, Jeff and Heather from Hospice 365; his fellow chapter and district officers of the DAV and Saltsburg American Legion; his niece Paula and her husband John for countless Sunday dinners; niece Carla and husband Matt for all their support; and neighbors Joe, Jeana, and Jen for all their assistance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ted’s honor may be made to: Hospice 365, 115 South Main Street, Carrolltown, PA 15722.
To send an expression of sympathy, share a memory or view the online obituary, please visit www.bowserminich.com
