Theodore "Ted” Zawistowski, 74, Southport, NC passed away suddenly on October 22, 2023 after a short illness.

Ted was born on April 22, 1949 to Ida (Osiecki) and Anthony Zawistowski, in Erie, Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, Thomas, and Leonard Zawistowski.

Ted attended St. Stanislaus church until the 8^th grade and Cathedral Prep entering the St. Marks Seminary while still attending high school. Following graduation, he attended St. Mary Seminary in the Baltimore, Maryland area. As a musical family, Ted and Rose Marie were the vocalists of the family with Joe on trumpet, and Leonard and Tom on drums. Ted married Margaret (Bunny) M. Manning of Baltimore, Maryland in Findley State Park, Lorain, Ohio in 1974, making him an instant stepdad of four lovely daughters.

Ted worked for the Municipal Court District in Cleveland, OH as probation officer and counselor. During this time, he wrote a book called “Lost and Found Along the Way: The Co-dependent Christian,” which brought him a level of fame in the Christian circle. Upon retirement in 2001, Ted and Marge moved to Southport where he built their dream house near the ocean. He loved exploring nature and National Parks as well as beekeeping, gardening, bird watching, and hiking.  Travel became another avenue as he and Marge loved taking cruises and exploring other countries. Moving to Southport, with time on his hands, he took a postal position on Oak Island as a substitute postal carrier. It was then he then found time to discover his creativity, founding Teddy Tray & Trivets becoming affiliated with the Artisans Gallery on Howe Street in Southport. He was also active with the Knights of Columbus, the Men’s Prayer Group and altar server at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Ted is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret Manning Zawistowski; daughters, Eleanor H. Grennan, FL, Karen E. Hiteshew of the home, Jennifer H. Scherry (Tom), MD, and Margaret H. Turner (Steve), TX; three grandchildren, James Turner, Samantha Turner, and Rachel Turner, all of TX; sister, Rose Marie Ross, FL; sister-in-law, Marsha B. Crawford, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 12:00 Noon in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Southport, NC. A reception will follow in the gathering hall at the church.

The livestream of Ted's Funeral Mass may be viewed at https://sacredheartsouthport.org/livestream/