Theodore Michael Mellides
January 12, 1953 – February 18, 2026
Theodore Michael Mellides, lovingly known as Ted or Papa Ted, was born on January 12, 1953, to Michael and Carol Mellides at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York. He passed away peacefully at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer.
A devoted man of faith, Ted attended church regularly with his family. As a boy, he loved sports, spending countless hours playing ball at the park with his brother Peter and friends. He also cherished time with his Uncle Jimmy, fishing and learning to work with his hands.
Ted met the love of his life, Katherine (Katie), while working at a local deli. They married in 1979 and built a beautiful family, welcoming sons Michael (1984) and James (1989). In search of better opportunities, Ted boldly relocated his family from New York to Weston, Florida, becoming the steadfast rock of the household.
Through hard work and sacrifice in the car business, he provided the best life possible for his sons and, later, his grandchildren.
Ted’s greatest joy was his family. As “Papou,” he adored his grandson Danny, whose presence brought light to his eyes and eased his burdens, and his granddaughter Amara, whose smile captured his heart completely.
Ted also loved animals and spent many hours at the dog park with his two beloved dogs, Xena and Athena.
Ted was a father figure to many. He embraced daughters-in-law Stephanie and Diana as his own daughters and welcomed Stephanie’s sister Dawn as his third daughter. Each shared a special bond with him—Ted was kind, approachable, and had a gift for making everyone feel truly special.
He leaves behind a profound legacy of unselfish love, kindness, and generosity. A faithful follower of Jesus, Ted is now at peace in heaven, watching over his family forever.
Ted is survived by his loving wife, Katie; his brother Peter and wife Joanne; his Uncle Jimmy; his son Michael; his daughters Stephanie, Diana, and Dawn; his cherished grandchildren Danny and Amara; and many extended family and friends.
May God bless Theodore Michael Mellides. May his memory be eternal.
A Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM with a Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 7:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, located at 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
A Religious Service will take place the following day, February 25th, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Grace Baptist Church, located at 19200 Griffin Rd, Southwest Ranches, Florida 33332.
A Graveside Service will take place following the church service on February 25th, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Lauderdale Memorial Park, located at 2001 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following charities:
Craig Tylek
February 21, 2026, 2:39 pm
I will be there Tuesday and Wednesday with a heavy heart. 🙏
Jill
February 21, 2026, 2:56 pm
What a wonderful man, known him forever, wonderful husband, father and grandfather, the best man ever. Miss him and may he be in peace and rest well.
Carol B Pangalos
February 21, 2026, 3:11 pm
May Teddy RIP in God’s Glorious Heaven. He was always such a kind, caring person. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Nikki &Joseph Rocco
February 21, 2026, 6:08 pm
Dear Katie..
We send our deepest condolences for this tragic loss. Teddy was the nicest person one could ever know. May he enjoy a peaceful eternity in heaven.
Kellie and Dave
February 21, 2026, 6:26 pm
We will cherish our times together forever. I know we will continue to make new memories, have fun and enjoy life as it unfolds, but it will be different with Ted’s link missing in our “Family Chain,”. Love you, our chosen family! ❤️
Monroe Kiar
February 21, 2026, 7:44 pm
Ted was a very fine man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He will definitely have a place in Heaven. May he rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏
Connie Boomsma(Kellies sister)
February 22, 2026, 4:00 am
Prayers and peace for all.
Wayne Morris
February 22, 2026, 9:15 pm
Teddy
Words will not do justice to what a wonderful incredible man you were. Loved meeting you and hope heaven is ready for such a nice person. Your brother Petey is also just as awesome. Your parents raised two wonderful boys!
Everyone hold onto the memories as Teddy was special
Love Wayne and Anita
Luis Suero
February 24, 2026, 9:18 pm
Luis, Eileen and Victoria.
Our deepest condolences during this difficult time. May the memories of our Friend and neighbor Ted bring peace to the family and friends. Please know you all will be in our prayers and thoughts and our family is here for you and the family at all moments.
Luis, Eileen, Vict.🙏
Gary and Susan
February 24, 2026, 10:07 pm
Our hearts are shattered at the loss of our wonderful friend. Teddy was an amazing friend, a brother to Gary who he and Teddy were friends since 5th grade. We spent many wonderful times with Teddy and Katie. We went on a lot of great vacations together . Teddy was a unique man in every aspect and we will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.