Theodore N. Taft

Theodore was born January 4, 1933 to Richard and Lorietta Taft. He was a lifelong resident of Fredonia and graduated from Fredonia High School in 1950 and Michigan State University in 1955 with a degree in horticultural science.

While in college, he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity. Shortly after graduation, Ted went on to serve in the U.S. Army. While stationed in Killeen, TX, he married Jean Spencer in 1957. They were married for 49 years.

Upon discharge in 1957, Ted worked for the Alleghany State Park system as a horticulturist. In 1959, he went on to become a Grape Research Specialist and resident entomologist at the Cornell Vineyard Lab (then located in Fredonia) until his retirement 30 years later.

Once retired, Ted increased his already active involvement in fishing, hunting, aquarium clubs and especially his pursuit and raising of moths and butterflies. An authority on this subject, he often gave "talks" on butterflies and dragonflies to area schools and organizations. If asked, he was always happy to hold forth on anything from bugs to birds to bogs.

Besides this, he enjoyed participating in bird counts, and was member of the Lake Erie Bird Club, Ducks Unlimited, the Xerces Society, the Lepidopterist Society and the North American Butterfly Association.

Ted is survived by a son, Theodore N. (Melissa) Taft, Jr., a daughter, Lynda J. Taft, both of Fredonia, and a brother, Richard M. Taft of Buffalo, NY. He is predeceased by his parents and wife.

Memorial contributions in Ted's memory may be made to The Lepidopterist Society, 9417 Carvalho Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1846 or online at www.lepsoc.org.

Calls may be made Saturday, September 5 at the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY from 10 to 11 a.m., where a Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler.

Obituary from the Dunkirk Observer