Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

Article published Aug 19, 2006
Ted Vernasco
Jan. 7, 1918 - Aug. 16, 2006

Ted Vernasco, 88, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 16 in Lakeland Continuing Care Center.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. in St. John Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., in Benton Harbor, with Fr. Bill Jacobs, Msgr. Eugene Sears, and Fr. Jonathan Fassero, O.S.B., con-celebrants. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 18 in Kerley-Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph, with a rosary at 7:15 p.m. Those wishing to share a condolence online can do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorials may be made to Catholic Community Center, Readiness Center, Sts. John & Bernard Catholic Church, or Lake Michigan Catholic Schools.

Ted was born January 7, 1918, to Victor and Dema (Pini)Vernasco, in Mishawaka, Indiana. He graduated from Mishawaka High School and Indiana University. After graduation, Ted enlisted in the Navy and attended naval officer training in Chicago. He served as a lieutenant on the USS Boyle during World War II. Ted married his best friend and love of his life, Angelina “Lee” Logli on May 6, 1945, in Melcher, Iowa. A testimonial to their beautiful marriage was the recent celebration of their 61st wedding anniversary.

Ted's career began at a radio station in South Bend, Indiana, which is presently WNDU, and later accepted a job as a radio station manager in Washington, Indiana. He moved to the Twin Cities when he was hired by WHFB as sales manager and newscaster in 1950. Ted was a major investor in The Travel Inn Motel and Captain's Table, which opened in 1961 in Benton Harbor. He retired from Whirlpool in 1983, after nineteen years in the sales division and education center. In the Twin Cities area, Ted, along with a core group, assisted in re-establishing Blossomtime festivities after World War II. He truly enjoyed his stint as master of ceremonies for many Blossomtime queen contests.

Ted's love for God was evident by how he lived his faith. He was very active at St. John Catholic Church and volunteered many hours in the community. His volunteer activities included Catholic Community Center, St. John's Thrift Shop, Jail Ministry, Soup Kitchen, Trustee for Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund, and Chairperson for diocesan KDSA. All of his volunteer work led him to be nominated for the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer of the year award. Ted was a member of Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and a former member of Berrien Hills Country Club.

Notre Dame was a big part of Ted's life. As a rabid ND fan, until recent years, Ted rarely missed a home football game since 1947. He deeply loved his children, and attending his grandchildren's sports and musical activities. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends and was passionate about God, his family, country, Notre Dame, and his Italian heritage. He also loved to fish and dance with his favorite partner, Lee.

Ted is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lee; his sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Karla Vernasco and Neil and Marci Vernasco, all of St. Joseph; his daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Wayne Demchinski of St. Joseph, and Pat and Rick Coscia of Fenton, Mich.; sister and brother-in-law, Yole and John Fassero of Mishawaka; eight grandchildren, Liz (Jim) Algyre, Tiffany Vernasco, Emily (Tereck) Halsey, Michael (Melissa) Demchinski, Keith (Terri) Demchinski, Kara (Jack) Gibson, Allie Vernasco, and Joanie Vernasco; four step-granchildren, Lisa (May) Maollemina, Rocky Coscia, Troy Coscia and Christopher Crouse; six great-grandchildren, Katie, Ashley, and Michael Alygre, Jacob and Maya Halsey, and Ava Demchinski; six step-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother and sister-in-law, Neil and Lillian Vernasco.

Ted's life was a gift to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.