Fred John Teller, 99, of New Smyrna Beach died peacefully Thursday, June 16, 2011 with his family by his side. Fred was born September 27, 1911 in Waterbury, CT. He was a star Athletic at Meriden High School playing numerous team sports. Some of his favorites being baseball, basketball and football. Fred joined the United States Navy in 1942 serving in World War II. Fred was also a National Champion duck pin bowler and owned and operated Teller Lane’s in Middlefield, CT. Prior to moving to Middlefield he owned and operator a Texaco Gas Station in Berlin, CT. In 1981 Fred moved to Marathon, FL as a winter resident. He was a lover of the ocean and could be found on his boat fishing and enjoying the Keys life everyday he was in Florida. Fred followed his daughter and son-in-law to New Smyrna Beach in 1991. He continued to drive and play golf up until the age of 97. Fred was an inspiration to his family and friends and will be missed by all that met him and were a part of his long life. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Schafferick Teller and his second wife, Mary Frank Teller. On August 6, 2010 he was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Christa Teller Kelsey of New Smyrna Beach. Fred is survived by his son-in-law, Jim Kelsey; step-daughter, Georgine and her husband, Roger Nelson; granddaughter, Katie Kelsey Liller and her husband, Jamie; grandson, Thomas Bivona and his wife, Heidi and great grandchildren, Emily Bivona, Bobby Bivona, Gavin Liller and was awaiting the birth of his fourth great grandchild Cole Liller due in August 2011.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association www.americanheart.com.
A Life Celebration at Sea will be held 6:30PM, Tuesday, June 28, 2011 aboard the Pastime Princess for family and close friends. The Pastime Princess boards at the Dolphin View Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach.
Navy