Theodore Vincent Ocepek
May 25, 1928 ~ March 5, 2022
Theodore Vincent Ocepek, age 93 of Clymer, New York passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Born May 25, 1928 in Tampa, Florida, he was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Tortorici) Ocepek. He married the love of his life, Genevieve Talpas, on June 18, 1949.
Ted spent 30 years as a news photographer for Channel 5 in Cleveland. During that time, Ted was able to capture history as it unfolded, locally, nationally, and internationally. Raised in Cleveland, he loved the action and fast pace of the city. The news was exciting and alive, and he became a part of it. He knew everyone, and he had a story for every occasion.
Another one of Ted’s passions was judo, and he was proud of the years he spent teaching it at the Cleveland Police Academy, which led him to be chosen as an alternate juror in the judo competition at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
His later years were spent in Ashtabula County where he became involved in his community as a Township Trustee. He also devoted countless hours to his Ruritan Club and Leadership Ashtabula County. During this time, he slowly compiled his memoirs, and at age 84, fulfilled the dream of publishing his life story, Capturing the Moment: Forty Years as a Cleveland Photojournalist.
Preceded in death by his parents and grandson Thomas Oldani.
Survived by his wife of 73 years, Genevieve; sons Ken Ocepek and Tom Ocepek; daughters Linda Oldani (Richard) and Sharon Field (Jamie); grandchildren Nick (Keegan) and Kasey Ocepek, Steven, Gina and Peter Oldani, and Christian, Mary and Emma Field, as well as great-grandsons Orion and Porter Ocepek.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 5:00-8:00pm at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 3049 State Route 45 in Rock Creek, Ohio. Everyone is welcome to stay for a luncheon at church after Mass, which will be followed by a funeral procession to All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. Online obituary and guest book may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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My fondest memory of Uncle Ted was bragging to my friends about having an uncle that work for Channel 5 and knew Dorothy Fuldheim.
Rest In Peace Uncle Ted ❤️
I worked with Ted at WEWS back in the 80’s — he was such a delightful man — smart, witty, professional, and just an all around great guy. I started as an intern and worked my way up to producer, and he was always my biggest cheerleader. It was a blessing to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family.
I also had the privilege of knowing and working with Ted as an engineer at Channel 5. He was a happy, light-hearted person, fun to be with and a good smile. He also was a great “shooter” and able to tell the story with his video. I think many enjoyed knowing Ted. Glad he was able to write his book. Another good guy will be missed, gone from earlier Broadcast days. It was a good era. We’d like to offer our condolences along with
others to his family. You’re in our prayers, God comfort the family. In Sympathy, Steve & Donna Molnar,
Oh how much I enjoyed Ted’s twinkle! It was so good to share his energy and his smiles as a young talent at WEWS. What a great legacy to leave…positive, hard working, happy.
Thank you, Ted. May God continue to bless you. xo Jan Jones
Ted was such a great guy. He went out of the way to help a newbie (me) when I first started at WEWS. And then acted as a mentor when I took up film, and then video. We shared a love of our ethnic backgrounds and the great ethnic foods of Cleveland. Prayers for his family – he loved you all so much.
One of the highlights of my communication career was knowing
and working with Ted.
He was not only a highly professional photographer he was a faithful friend.
In addition, he was a wise ‘sage’ sharing humorous observations about
riding on the ‘media merry-go-round: i.e.
” Broadcasting is the only business where the ‘cream’ sinks to the bottom
and in which you suffer from jet lag without ever travelling anywhere”.
I’m so fortunate that our paths in life crossed and extend my
sincere sympathy to his loved ones and hope that their memories
of marvelous moments they shared together will keep Ted alive
in their minds and hearts forever.
Jenny Crimm
When I started working at WEWS-TV in 1975, Ted was already an established news photographer. Just starting out, I would load and develop his film in the processor. Later, when I became an editor, I would edit his film footage for the nightly newscasts. Eventually, when I became a news photographer, I was able to get to know Ted much better, because now we worked in the same department. He had so many stories about his experiences, about television news and about life in general. I always enjoyed our conversations. He had much to offer. Memories of him and our talks always bring a smile. Rest well, Sir.
Brian Archer
I knew Ted from CH-5 and he always had a smile and a greeting. I liked doing things for him such as ordering parts and repairing his photog equipment. He was a great person to know. My condolences to his family.
My deepest condolences to all the family and loved ones. Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting your parents, however, in reading about your father’s sense of humor, wit and storytelling I now know who you take after! It’s never easy loosing a parent. You carry him with you every day. Sending light and love. 🕯 Ronnie H.