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NILES -- Theodore L. Sekela, 88, of Niles, and formerly of Warren, entered into eternal rest on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Niles Way Senior Living.
He was born Jan. 16, 1938, in North Fork, W.Va., the son of Andrew and Mary Hollis Sekela, moving to Ohio as a child.
A graduate of Warren G. Harding High School and Youngstown State University, Ted retired as chief chemist from Copperweld Steel after 34 years in the chem lab. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Ted served as a chemical decontamination specialist with the 21st Chemical Company (Decontamination) in Alabama. His military honors included the Good Conduct Medal, and he earned Expert, Sharpshooter and Marksman qualifications.
He was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, where he always had fun peeling potatoes and making piroghis with his brothers and the rest of the staff.
Ted loved life and had many interests. He enjoyed many sports, especially bowling, fishing and church softball. His other relaxing hobbies included watercolor painting and stamp and coin collecting. He was a cruise and beach enthusiast who loved to search for sharks' teeth on the many beaches he visited. He loved to travel with his wife and family and was an avid fan of the Four Freshmen and jazz music.
Ted enjoyed tending to his garden, watching sports and going to the casino to play Keno, his favorite. He had a special fondness for Japanese bonsai trees.
Precious memories of Ted live on with his two sons, William of Columbus and Todd Sekela (Lisa) of Amelia, Ohio; two grandchildren, Reagan and Ethan Sekela; his brother, David Sekela (Linda) of Warren; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Sekela of Champion; and many other family and friends who love him and think of him fondly.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved wife of 54 years, Janice Dager Sekela, whom he married April 24, 1959, and who passed Nov. 3, 2013; two brothers, John and Andrew Sekela; and his sister-in-law, Lethea Sekela.
Calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2053 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, where services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, with the Rev. Fr. Timothy Paproski officiating. All who knew and loved Ted are welcome to attend and celebrate his incredible life.
Interment will follow in Pineview Memorial Park.
A special "thank-you" to the team of Niles Way Senior Living and Akeso Hospice for their compassion and care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2053 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, in Ted's memory.
Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences sent, at www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.
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