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