Theodore J. Szczotka of Peconic died July 1, 2026. He was 87 years old.
Born April 25, 1939, he served in the U.S. Army for two years. He was a member of the Southold Fire Department for 68 years. He worked for Steve J. Doroski Produce farming and Steve J. Doroski Garden Center. He enjoyed trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, scratch-off tickets and entering raffles, playing darts, shooting pool and golfing, and was a New York Yankees fan. His family said he was known by many as “Teddy,” as well as “the mayor,” “Ivan” and “Lucky Brush.”
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara; his children, Karen, Nancy and Ted (Brenda); and three grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Monday, July 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, where Southold Fire Department firematic services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Deacon Doug Moran. Interment with U.S. Army honors will follow at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Southold Fire Department would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
