Solon, Maine — Theodore “Ted” Scourtis passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. He was born on February 19, 1945, the son of the late, Telemachus and Edith (White) Scourtis.
He grew up in Brookline, Mass. and graduated from Brookline High School. His father emigrated from Greece and became a successful restaurateur, sparking Teddy’s lifelong love of the American diner and the culinary arts. His mother instilled in him an insatiable thirst for knowledge that fostered his passion for science, history and literature.
A “child of the 60’s”, Ted took a nontraditional path following graduation, in which the breadth of his experiences included broadcasting school, falling in love, rock journalism, and Woodstock. His expansive musical knowledge in all genres did not go unnoticed by those in the business. He was a natural salesperson at E.U. Wurlitzer Music and Sound in Boston. Two of his “coolest” recollections were interviewing Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin as they emerged onto the music scene. Though he became a chef by trade he was always a musician at heart.
He eventually settled in Newburyport with his family in 1977 and considered it his home until the day he died. Over the years, he worked at many of the local restaurant establishments including the original Fowle’s, Taffy’s, Scandia and The Mall. However, his fondest memories would be those working and performing at The Grog, where he met many life-long friends. His ease in front of a crowd and ability to think on his feet made him a natural emcee. Ted’s recognizable voice could be heard during many local music events, such as Yankee Homecoming, as he announced performances and encouraged budding artists.
Ted loved the Agawam’s cream pies, a scenic drive, a great debate and all things collectible or tacky. A weather enthusiast to the core, he enjoyed a great storm. He was an avid film buff from the start and often recalled skipping school to spend the day in a triple-feature. However, he enjoyed nothing more than being with his family, nicknaming himself “father-o-girls”.
He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Hopkinson, her husband, Thomas and their three daughters, Maeve, Phoebe and Zinnia, Meredith Taylor and her daughter, Zoe Nunally, and Koren Scourtis, her fiancé, Michael Waugh and their daughters, Lilly and Jordan Waugh. His family is looking forward to welcoming the first grandson is this coming April. Ted is predeceased by his older brother, Philip Scourtis. He is survived by his two sisters, Daphne Meyer, her husband, Dick, and their two children, Rich and Martha, and Polyxane Cobb and her two children, Rachael and Ethan. He leaves a beloved extended family, including many great nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by his former first wife, Cathleen Conley and survived by his former second wife, Gayle Pollard.
Ted derived a constant source of inspiration and support from the friends he made in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. He would be proud to say he passed with 18 years of sobriety behind him.
ARRANGEMENTS: A strictly casual, musical celebration of his life is in the works and will be announced via Ted’s favorite social media outlet, FaceBook.
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