Theodore Sas, 81, WW II Veteran, US Steel retiree, enjoyed camping, bingo, farming, and being with family

Born in Lorain, Ohio, he graduated from Lorain High School in 1940. He had been a resident of North Ridgeville for the past 48 years.

Mr. Sas served his country during World War II from 1942 to 1948 as a gunner's mate in the Navy. He participated in the invasions of Palau Islands, Okinawa, and the clearing of mines from Tokyo Bay, aboard the minesweeper YMS-177. He was later part of the European Occupational Forces aboard the U.S.S. Portsmouth CL-102. He did two goodwill tours throughout the Mediterranean and African countries.

Mr. Sas worked at US Steel for 35 years as a journeyman pipe fitter in the blast furnaces. He belonged to St. Nicholas Catholic Church. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #451. He enjoyed camping, playing, bingo, devoting time to his family, and managing his farm and apple orchard.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Dorothy (nee Novak), daughter Dolly Washburn of Wellington, sons Ted of Elyria, Tom of Pittsfield, Tim of North Ridgeville, Terry of Elyria, brothers Edward of Lorain, Andrew of Colorado, 20 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Anna (nee Kopcha) Sas, sisters: Catherine Kriz, Mary Chohany, Ann Onufer, brothers; Joseph, John, Steve, a newborn daughter and a granddaughter, Heidi Harwedel.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 12, 2003 form 1-3 and 7-9 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain, where Parastas will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Lorain. Rev. James Batcha, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. VFW Post 451, Lorain, will provide full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 2711 W. 40th St. Lorain, OH 44053, New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, OH 44035, or World War II Memorial Fund, Attn.: GR048, PO Box 96074, Washington, DC 20090-6074.