Druh Thaddeus Kokoski, better known as Ted, was honored by District IV at a luncheon last month. Ted will be 96 this December and still going strong; he has slowed down a bit, but not much.
The luncheon was held at Ted’s home Nest, Nest 182 in Ambridge, Pa. The Nest was presented with a certificate of appreciation for helping whenever I need it. Plus, Nest 182 is the home Nest of Ted and our President, Tim. Several Members of other District IV Nests attended as well as three Members from Nest 123, Erie, Pa. (Becky, Tony and Sue).
Prior to honoring Ted, we honored two other very deserving Falcon Members. The Beyond the Gold was presented to Nest 118 Members Nancy Capozoli and Elizabeth Kolano ( Betty is now 97) and still volunteers.
Both Nancy and Betty have held numerous Nest and District positions throughout their years as a Member of the Polish Falcons. Nancy was on the National Board of Directors. Betty received her Gold Legion in 2001 and Nancy in 2011. Both were presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers. Their families were in attendance to see their surprise and appreciation.
Following a delicious, mostly Polish buffet and cookie table, Ted was honored. Cookies were donated by Betty (see what I mean, chrusciki, no less!), Patti Kuzma, Melissa Paterni, and me.
A brief biography of Ted:
His work as a structural draftsman at American Bridge contributed to the building of these structures still standing today:
Sequence of professional jobs:
Ted married Dolores Swanderski on November 26, 1955. They had met at a Falcon hall when Dolly said, “Who is that? I am going to marry him!” Ted and Dolly had four children, three daughters, Karen, Cathleen and Teresa and one son, Thomas (who unfortunately passed away in August of 2009). Dolly passed away in 2002.
Ted was born in Ambridge, PA on Tuesday, December 11, 1928, the baby of 13!!!
-Joined the Polish Falcons in May of 1952 because Ted wanted to participate in the National Bowling Tournament. Ted bowled in approximately 63 National Bowling Tournaments!!!
-Golfed in countless National Golf Tournaments.
-Has walked miles and miles.
-Served as the Nest 182 Financial Secretary for 22 years
In 1984, Ted became the National Director for District IV on the National Board of Directors. In 1988, Druh became the National Treasurer. In 1992, the position of National Treasurer was combined with the position of National Secretary. Ted was the first one to hold this position. He served in that role until 2000 when he had to retire due to the PFA National Constitution.
On the District level, Ted served as the District Bowling Commissioner as well as the District Golf Commissioner for several years.
-Took seven trips to Poland with the PFA
In 2003, the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh honored Ted as the Fraternalist of the Year!
Ted’s main role in the District was serving as the District IV Legion of Honor Circle Treasurer. Along with that position, he represented District IV on the Commandery serving on the Commandery for 23 years. This year, Ted decided it was time for someone else to fulfill this role.
Ted received his service awards, all from Nest 182:
• Bronze Star of Merit on January 4, 1966
• Silver Star of Merit on March 25, 1970
• Gold Star of Merit on October 4, 1975
• Bronze Legion of Honor on October 27, 1984
• Silver Legion of Honor on December 16, 1989
• Gold Legion of Honor on December 4, 1999
• Beyond the Gold on July 27, 2024 at the National Convention. One of the first to receive this award.
Even without accolades and awards, Ted continued to dedicate himself to the Polish Falcons. It’s so nice that Ted received his Beyond the Gold at the National Convention this summer!
Several Members and Nests presented Ted with cards and gifts.
I requested and received three proclamations for Ted. One from Allegheny County and one from Beaver County thanking him for his service and dedication. The best was from the town of Ambridge, Pa. I spoke directly with the mayor, Tina Iorfido-Miller, who was more than willing to send a proclamation in his honor. (She was unable to attend as she was celebrating her 50th birthday that weekend!). The proclamation listed so many of Ted’s accomplishments; it made me cry! It was beautiful! The mayor was kind enough to name Sunday, October 20, 2024 as Ted Kokoski Day in Ambridge.
Ted thought he was coming to a Legion of Honor luncheon and was totally surprised (That was my hope!). It was a wonderful day with the room full of happy people gathered to celebrate.
Czolem!
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