Thaddeus John “Ted” Lubas, 86 of Dunlap, IL passed away on April 11, 2018 surrounded by his family. Born in Reading, PA he moved to Passaic, NJ. He graduated from the University of Miami, FL in Coral Gables where he played football for the Miami Hurricanes. He met Helen Allen in Morocco while serving as a Captain in the Air Force. He spent most of his later life in Illinois where he worked for Montgomery-Ward in data security. He was last employed at AA-trading at the Chicago Board of Exchange and was a parishioner of Old St. Mary’s. In Peoria he was the owner of Frosty’s and a parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church.
He was married to Helen (Allen) Lubas. Devoted father of Tracy Lubas (Matthew Brooks) who survive. He was the dear brother of Mary Ceglarski (deceased April 13, 2018), the late Helen Lotorto, Edward Lubas, and the dear brother-in-law of Clem Ceglarski, Maureen Lubas, and the late Sam Lotorto.
Thaddeus was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on June 14, 2019. A video link to the ceremony is here.
Memorial visitation was held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Services in Peoria. A memorial Mass was held at 8:00 AM on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at St. Jude Catholic Church.
16 comments to “Please share your memories of Ted”
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Sue Duffey - April 15, 2018 at 8:55 am
I was 11 years old when I first met My Uncle Ted.
Aunt Helen was always my favorite aunt. She was beautiful, stylish, fun, and the convertible she drove was perfect for her! I adored her. I didn’t think she’d ever find a man who was good enough… Then I met Ted Lubas. He was fun, handsome, larger-than-life, and loving, and I loved him immediately. He was perfect for Aunt Helen and for our entire family. We all loved him. My dad loved talking to him about horses and the racetrack. We could talk about anything with him. He was always interesting and interested in what we wanted to talk about.
When Tracy was born, he was over the moon. His family was complete. He now had TWO beautiful redheads! And those redheads adored him!!
I will always miss Uncle Ted — will miss that booming voice over the phone… It’s comforting to know that he had a wonderful life surrounded by so many people who loved him so much. Heaven has become a better, happier place this week.
Susan and Tom Brooks - April 16, 2018 at 8:25 am
My sincere condolences to Helen and Tracy on the loss of Ted. I love their daughter as one of my own and send hugs across the miles. Tracy one day at a time soon you will smile more than cry.
Kristine S Drawsky - April 16, 2018 at 2:05 pm
Tracy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Those are such beautifully wonderful pictures to see. I hold you in my heart as you move through this difficult time. I send loving thoughts to both you and your mom.
Colin - April 16, 2018 at 4:18 pm
I was privileged to know Ted, my heart goes out to Helen and Tracy. I know how you must feel.
love, Colin
CHERYL ANN FINNEGAN - April 19, 2018 at 8:02 pm
Ted was one of my all time favorites. It was partially because he called me “The Queen of Hearts”, but mostly because he just got me. I worked at Frosty’s with Tracy for several summers and I have these vivid memories of Ted popping in and out of the shop with his sweet smile and giving us a funny line or two. One rainy day he brought a thrift store find to us – a photo diary of a young Jackie O and her sister from their first trip to Europe. Tracy and I read the book dozens of times and fantasized about running off to Europe ….and what we would wear! Ted just got us.
I’m a proud member of the Ted Lubas fan club. Much love to Tracy & Helen. I miss you both.
The Queen of Hearts.
Becky Thomas - April 22, 2018 at 10:02 am
“Make it the way you like it” was Teddy’s advice when I asked about how to make the cones and burgers at my first job at Frosty’s. He was such a sweet guy – always concerned and interested in others. He was fun and funny – it was a joy to share conversation with him. He and Helen were like a comedy act. Helen, I am so glad you Ted enjoyed some nice vacations out here with us in California. He was always up for the next adventure. Tracy you are lucky to have had such a supportive and adoring dad. He lit up with you around. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Love from Becky and Chris Thomas
Joyce Termina - April 23, 2018 at 11:33 am
My Uncle Ted was the mystery Uncle because we didn’t get to spend time with him like we did with Uncle Sammy, Uncle Eddy and my father Uncle Taters, but our time with him was always an adventure . Example: He took the oldest of the cousins to the Worlds Fair in New York. He had us marching around those fairgrounds in single file like little souldiers. We saw every new fangled invention being shown and talked about how great the future was going to be. Totally memorable! What sticks with me most?! Uncle Ted couldn’t remember where we parked the car! We were completely exhausted and couldn’t find our way home. Trooper that he was he kept us together, no tears allowed and Lord knows how found the car and got us all home safely, totally satisfied with our fantastic day. I’ll always remember him as that kind generous leader of a man . Love you Uncle Ted. Oh yes, I must also thank you for my Sherry doggie. Best gift ever!!
Dollar General Employees - April 23, 2018 at 4:50 pm
April 15, 2018
Ted is such a great guy – always came in with a smile – would just brighten all of our days when we saw him. Sweet man we will miss him dearly.
Janet Callahan, Brimfield, IL - April 23, 2018 at 4:51 pm
April 13, 2018
So sorry to hear this Helen. You will be in Bills and my prayers!❤
Michele Theiler - April 24, 2018 at 7:28 pm
I didn’t get to spend much time with Uncle Ted either but I know if I had I would have loved it. He always made me feel special and he was always interested in my dancing and what I was doing with it. I remember him sending me articles about the Hubbard St Dance Company from Chicago because he thought I would enjoy them ( which I did). When we did get to see him he was so much fun to be around. The last time I got to see him was at Mema’s 80th birthday party. What a wonderful surprise it was for her to have him there. It was a special day and I’ll never forget it. They are all hanging out together again, laughing, and watching over all of us. Love to you Aunt Helen and Tracy!
Gail kampff - April 26, 2018 at 3:28 pm
I spent a week with uncle Ted and aunt Helen down the farm when I was little. I learned about rare steak which I had never had before. My mother cooked it until it resembled leather so when they asked me how I wanted my meat cooked I was not aware of any choice. As a family we always looked forward to uncle teds visits
Shauna Smith - April 27, 2018 at 1:55 pm
I never met Ted but always enjoyed hearing about him thru my dear friend, his daughter, Tracy. I enjoyed seeing the pictures on the memorial.
Best wishes to the family for this very difficult loss of a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with you.
Peace and Joy always…..
~Shauna and Andy
Carolyn Kraft - May 12, 2018 at 9:02 am
I first met Ted while he was in the hospital four years ago. I visit hospitalized parishioners from St. Jude Church. We had a wonderful talk about church buildings. I last saw him in the hospital on April 9. That day I spent in prayer for him. My four year old grandson seemed to bond with him during Mass at St. Jude. Ted normally sat about two rows behind us. Our grandson on a few occasions walked back to him during the sign of peace to shake hands or give him a high five. A lovely man. Thank you so much for sharing the pictures.
Mike Hagan - June 21, 2018 at 8:27 pm
I spent many years with Ted. Ted was the nicest, kindest man with the biggest heart. They do not make people like Ted anymore. I think about Ted very often. Ted loved sharing pictures of his wife and daughter and always shared stories from the past. One story that he told me was that he loved driving his daughter to ice skating practice, he really enjoyed the time that they spent driving in the car together. I am so sad to hear about Ted’s passing, he is in my thoughts.
Dan Allen - February 7, 2019 at 6:51 am
“Uncle Ted” was truly a great, vivacious, and funny man. One could NOT be bored in his presence! He “completed” my aunt Helen… Thanks for everything, Ted!!!
Colleen Sammis - June 4, 2019 at 5:34 pm
I first met Tracy’s Dad when he and Helen came out to California for a visit. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet them both (finally!) and to join them for a trip to NAPA. We had a fun time, relaxing time at the Coppola winery…tasting wines, having a very “Napa” dinner, and enjoying their company. I noticed immediately that Ted was incredibly amiable. He could really tell a story, and he always had a smile on his face. He just seemed to enjoy himself wherever he was and whatever he was doing. You could just tell he was so proud of Tracy. I am grateful to him for sharing his upbeat personality with us!