ROCK HILL – Theodore J. “Ted” Marek, 85, passed away on June 16, 2026.
Born on June 7, 1941, in Claremont, New Hampshire, Ted lived a life defined by curiosity, service, family, and adventure. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for six years, attaining the rank of Airman First Class. Following his military service, Ted built a successful career in the insurance industry and retired from Peoples First Insurance in Rock Hill—not once, but twice—a testament to how much he enjoyed his work and the relationships he built throughout his career.
A lifelong learner, Ted attended numerous colleges over the years simply because he loved to learn. He was an avid reader who enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and was a devoted cat lover. Outside of his family, Ted’s greatest passion was baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox. If he wasn’t wearing his Red Sox gear, he could often be found proudly wearing his veteran’s hat.
Another of Ted’s great loves was travel. Whether by car, plane, cruise ship, or tour bus, he was always ready for the next adventure. In retirement, Ted and his beloved wife, Phyllis, enjoyed many cruises together and traveled throughout the western United States, touring national parks alongside his siblings and their spouses. These trips created cherished memories that he treasured throughout his life.
Ted also looked forward to his weekly Thursday breakfast gatherings with “the guys,” where conversation and friendship were always on the menu. A true people person, Ted never met a stranger. He had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel like an old friend. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his love of family, his sense of humor, his endless curiosity, and his appreciation for life’s simple joys.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Phyllis; daughters, Jennifer Drummond (husband, James), and Valerie Marek; son, Daniel Marek; brother, Peter Marek and his wife, Cheryl; sister, Elaine Coburn and her husband, Bob; grandson, Caleb Marek; and granddaughters, MacKenzie Drummond and Alexa Marek.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Bernadette Marek; and his sister, Alice Jane “Janey” Dube.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a veterans’ organization, animal rescue organization, or a charity of one’s choice in Ted’s memory, reflecting the generosity and kindness that he shared throughout his life.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.