It is with Unimaginable Sadness that we have lost our Dear Ted Zanidakis

[brass_rat]

Ted was always so nice to me and happy to talk every time I saw him. I truly appreciate the joy he brought to our conversations.

My condolences to Charlotte and all of Ted's friends and family.

Rest in peace.

[rjackson44]

Rip ted will be missed

[NiceDocter]

So sorry to see this legend go..... he was always kind and generous with his knowledge. Who else had the original 1952 Topps Mantle with the wrapper and other cards in the pack intact still since he opened it as a youngster? In his spirit, Id like to take this opportunity to thank all the people on here Ive done deals with over the last 10 years..... and offer my heartfelt regrets at the few times I through ignorance or poor communications have made some people frustrated or angry. I will try to do better..... thanks Ted for your great example.... RIP

[chadeast]

Oh no, that is really sad news. I didn't have the privilege of knowing Ted personally but I greatly enjoyed the generous way in which he shared his amazing knowledge on this forum. RIP Ted

[Baseball Rarities]

Sad, sad news. RIP Ted.

[maniac_73]

Total gut punch reading this. The collecting world lost a giant.
Prayers and Strength to Charlotte and the rest of Ted's family.
RIP to a Legend of the Hobby

[Vintagecatcher]

Great hobby legend and a better person.

Patrick

[oldjudge]

Horrible news! RIP Ted.

[barrysloate]

I am also devastated by this news, especially since unfortunately Ted and I lost touch the last few years. I’m still not entirely sure why, perhaps a little stubborness by each of us, but I always assumed we would one day patch things up. Sadly that won’t happen.

Ted and I met about 1984 when he called me late one night to buy a few 1949 Bowmans from my SCD ad. And wasn’t I shocked and thrilled to discover that he was the guy who wrote the inspiring article in Baseball Cards magazine about the set. We became close friends for many years. Our discussions, our get togethers, our regulars trades and deals, dinners with the wives, became a major part of the rest of our lives. We may have disagreed about some things but we always moved past it.

I will miss you Ted and if it was my fault that we hadn’t spoken the last few years then I take full responsility for it and I apologize. I should have worked a little harder to make things better. RIP my friend.

[scottglevy]

I am one of the many folks that will miss Ted. Such a wonderful person and a tremendously knowledgeable individual on T206 cards in particular. My deepest condolences to Charlotte and family.

[benjulmag]

I'm speechless.

Ted and I go back over thirty years, and in that time whenever I would see him he would greet me with a smile and we would talk on and on.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. The hobby has lost one of its true great ones.

[GaryPassamonte]

RIP Ted.

[Johnny630]

I'm so sorry to hear this...my thoughts and prayers are with you Dan I know he was a dear dear friend to you. May he rest in peace with the Eternal Lord Jesus. God Speed.

[GoldenAge50s]

Terrible news to start my day---He will be missed immensely here on the Board & by those that knew him in person! Rest In Peace, Ted!

[MuncieNolePAZ]

You will be missed Ted. You were an absolute treasure on this site. I never met you in person, but enjoyed numerous conversations here. Rest in Peace. Prayers to your family.

Chad

[Yoda]

I'm crushed. Lost for words. Ted was irreplaceable. Does anybody feel that the Board sending flowers to his funeral would be appropriate. Of course, I would be happy to contribute.

[TaxMechanick]

RIP Ted... Really sad news!

Glenn

[wolf441]

Deeply saddened to hear this news. Ted was a titan in this hobby, but he was also a really genuine, kind person. I traded many emails with Ted when my son passed away in 2015 and I will always be grateful for his words of wisdom.

You will be missed, Ted Z.

[Jewish-collector]

This is such sad news. I always enjoyed seeing Ted at the Philly show. He will be missed.

[Eric72]

Ted,

Thank you for all you’ve done and shared. As you pass into memory, know that those who knew you will never forget your kindness and compassion. You were a wonderful human being and you’ll be sorely missed.

[jp1216]

I've never looked at a 1948 1949 Leaf without thinking of Ted Z! RIP - your posts will always be here for us.

[painthistorian]

I started in 1975 and went to Willow Grove in 1976, he was always a very knowledgeable and kind vendor. His knowledge of cards, especially T206's will always be remembered. I am sure he was not only well respected and liked by much of the hobby but always was polite to new hobbyists. Many of us that still remember the hobby early days were blessed, but we are aging!. RIP

[sb1]

Count me as one of the many that will miss Ted.

He and I go back about 20 years and while we often talked cards, Ted was even more thrilled to talk of his family, first his daughter Zoe and later on his Grandson Ron, who I got to meet at the AC National. Ted was very proud of his family and of course his old T-Bird which has made its way into several of Ted's posts over the years.

So long old buddy!

[Touch'EmAll]

I never knew him. But all the responses - Wow ! Ted was a wonderful fellow, and truly great for our hobby !

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I recall that absolutely nobody welcomed me more strongly to this forum than Ted when I signed up so many years ago. Wow, two decades have passed?!

Prior to this, Ted's path had never intersected with mine in spite of our years in the hobby due simply to him being into cards and my being nearly exclusive to autographs. But many emails were exchanged and we certainly shared a mutual respect for one another's knowledge.

Such a friendly and welcoming guy ("Hey guy!") who was always wanting to make introductions between hobby people so that we'd all know each other. He was simply a rare caliber of person. No ego whatsoever in spite of all that data bouncing around in his brain.

Rest well guy!

[Mozzie22]

I think the number of replies to this thread, from members here that rarely post, is testament to this man's impact on the hobby, and to so many others personally. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ted but he was the only person on this forum I had ever traded a card with. I helped him complete his T205 Wolter back run and he overcompensated me for it. Sad news. RIP, Ted.

[pete zouras]

Sad news. RiP fellow Greek card collector. We met once at Fort Washington show were he gave me a good deal on a T206 Duffy with Sovereign back from his find of such cards. His table always had a bunch of people surrounding it. His posts exuded his love for the hobby and generosity of spirit.

[RayBShotz]

RIP Ted.
Another hobby great and good person.
RayB

[yanks87]

I leaned on Ted for his first hand knowledge about 1949 Leaf issues. He was sharp as a tack and a great resource to have in regards to the research I was, am, doing. He will be missed, may his memory bring smiles.

[GoCubsGo32]

Very sad to hear this news. Always loved reading his posts & him sharing his expert knowledge. He will be greatly missed.
My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Ted Z.

[rsst206]

I have been away from the forum and just seen this.
Horrible News RIP Ted and my condolences to his family.

[aelefson]

I am very sorry to read this. I really enjoyed his posts and the few times he and I talked at shows.

Alan

[GrayGhost]

I did not know him, but obviously he was a loved and respected man in and away from the hobby. My condolences

[BeanTown]

RIP Ted and always enjoyed the conversations we had at shows back in the 90s. Definitely a pioneer of our hobby and he will be missed. Condolences to his family. He was one of the good guys who didn’t mind sharing information on his knowledge for cards.

[babraham]

RIP Ted.

[JustinD]

Had some wonderful discussions on the forum and I remember the nice gift he sent this last summer like it arrived yesterday. Sadly, like many of you we had not met in person but I had hopes that perhaps I could get that done. Unfortunately I have missed my chance.

In the many years I have been visiting this forum there are several we lost that forever changed the group. Ted will certainly be in that list.

Rest well.

[whiteymet]

Danny:

I know this is so tough for you. And all of us.

Teddy's contribution to the hobby can not be overstated.

Will truly miss him.