He was special. Theodore T. Attila entered the world with a robust cry on Feb. 20, 1952. Born to a Hungarian immigrant, Tedy as he became known to his family cherished his Hungarian heritage long before genealogy became a trendy pastime. More importantly, he cherished his Christian Faith, working every day to incorporate the tenets of his Bible-based beliefs into everything he did.
Tedy struggled his entire life to overcome extreme dyslexia which hindered classroom performance. However, he did not let that stop him. He excelled at sports, tenaciously honing his skills in a manner that would make Marine boot camp look like child’s play. He became a bit of a local football legend, admired for his skill as a hard-hitting linebacker for Watervliet High School. He went on to play linebacker at Ferris State University, earning honors for outstanding freshman defensive player of the year.
He married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Mainwaring, in October 1972. Tedy was blessed with a large family, four daughters and two sons. The children were the delight of his life. He relished coaching, especially girls softball for 13 years and AAU Karate. He was the only Certified AAU Karate Coach who never held a belt. He coached his sons to National ranking status, placing them 3rd and 5th in the nation. Giving back to the community and coaching the next generation of football players was important to Tedy, especially his time coaching Watervliet Rocket, Watervliet H.S. football, and Coloma Junior High football. Tedy swelled with pride and became a “pageant dad” supporting his four daughters as they sought several “beauty pageant” titles including two Miss Watervliet, as well as a first runner-up and a second runner-up.
Ted supported his family as a Store Director for Harding’s Markets for nearly 40 years. He also held a Residential Building license, which was his passion. He had the ability to picture a project, a room, or a house in his mind and duplicate what he saw without a blueprint.
He was a member of the church of his youth, Midway Baptist Church. However, his Charismatic background allowed him to see beyond denominational parameters. In the past decade, he was embraced by the Coloma United Methodist Church.
Ted was the father of Kate (Aaron) Hyska, Rebecca (Mark) Fried, Ryan Kelly Attila (Michael Bertuca), Jennifer (Joe) Mitchell, Theo (Shelly) Attila, and Andrew (Becky) Attila. He had nine grandchildren: Alyssa and Lylah Hyska, Brock Fried, Jolie Bertuca, Collins Mitchell, Evelynne Attila, Lauren, Gwenievere, and Ambrus Attila. His brother is Arthur (Sherrie) Attila. He had a plethora of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Irene and Theodore Attila, and his siblings, Gilda Attila Hopkalo and Hannibal John Attila.
In recent years, Tedy has struggled with a myriad of health issues. The ER doctors often proclaimed, “You’re a medical miracle!” Tedy was a warrior, but on March 3, 2024, he had no more fight left. After 51 years of marriage and a life full of love and devotion, he went home to his Lord and Savior.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Theodore “Ted” Attila on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Coloma United Methodist Church (144 S. Church Street, Coloma). Visitation is at noon and the service will be held at 1 p.m. with a luncheon to follow. We will gather to celebrate the life of this amazing and selfless man who will be greatly missed. Please bring your fondest memories of Ted to share with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memoriam of Ted Attila to support his grandchildren’s passions: the Coloma High School Girls Varsity Softball team and/or the Garden Wolves 14 U AA Hockey team. The family is appreciative of your kindness and generosity.