Theodore G. Wilhelm

Theodore Geoffrey “Ted” Wilhelm, of Bryn Mawr, PA, Ocean City, NJ, formally of Vail, CO, and Vero Beach, FL, passed away on December 29, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late John Justis and Florence (Esher) Wilhelm, and a descendant of John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Ted married the love of his life, Joan Mae Murry, on April 18, 1953, and together raised their 3 daughters, Patricia, Cheryl, and Kim, in Bryn Mawr, PA. Summers were spent in Ocean City, NJ, and winter weekends found Ted faithfully driving the family north so they could learn to ski. That passion eventually led west, where a family condo in Vail, Colorado opened the door to decades of skiing, adventure, lifelong friendships and memories.

Ted was also an avid golfer, tennis, paddle player, bowler, and on the various teams at Overbrook Golf club where they belonged for 55 years. Joan & Ted lived right on the 10th hole and many memories were shared here. Summer nights on the back patio sometimes lead to night golf and putting contests. Joan & Ted were always entertaining and welcoming friends & family to their home. A fun filled basement with pool, darts, pinball games and a player piano entertained many. Perhaps somewhat to their dismay, a 1981 Phillies World Series party occurred while they were at the game and many others that followed into the next generation. Fourth of July parties with fireworks you could watch at Overbrook & sledding parties on the golf course hill ending in hot chocolate were always a favorite.

Ted and Joan traveled the globe skiing and adventuring, Ted always carrying all of Joan’s luggage while making friends in every corner of the world. Everyone was always invited, young or old, and many of those friends later joined them for weeks at a time, sharing in the joy, laughter, and community Ted and Joan so naturally created. He loved boating and owned both motor & sail. You could truly see his joy behind the wheel as he navigated the seas.

Ted loved games & gadgets. He was probably the first to install a zip line in their back yard before anyone knew what a zip line was. He made an ice-skating rink one cold morning, installed pong on the TV (the beginning of video games), helped Joan create a life size elephant out of chicken wire and paper mache & designed a sheet metal large star to hoist up to the chimney for all to see on Christmas, just to name a few. Whatever you asked of him he put his mind to it and would help anyone.

A dedicated family man, Ted was a role model to many, known for his calm demeanor and expectation that you would do the right thing.

A Philadelphian at heart, Ted held a deep love for their sports teams, the Eagles and most especially, the Phillies, where he was known as a true “Knothole Kid”, sneaking up to the fence to watch games from outside.

Ted served honorably in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He signed up at 18, following his older brother, doing service to his country in Japan after the occupation.

After military service Ted married, worked the family business, had two of his three children, all while earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University on the GI bill. The eldest, Pat, remembers trying to figure out “which black cap belonged to dad” at the graduation.

A savvy businessman, Ted purchased E.C. Powers an industrial sheet metal fabricator and blended it with Theo. Wilhelm’s Sons, Inc. his family’s 100 year old roofing business to expand into the industrial sheet metal industry. You can still see the men’s work on many factory roofs today. Ted was one of the first to design air handling units used to improve air quality.

He had a dry sense of humor and when asked on his 98th birthday what time he was born, he replied "I don't know I didn't have a watch."  He accredited his longevity to Tastykakes and was also fondly known as "Teddy Cakes."

Ted was the beloved husband of 70 years of the late Joan Mae (Murry) Wilhelm; the loving father of Patricia Kaynaroglu (Hakan), Cheryl Kowba (John), and Kim McKeon. He was the devoted grandfather of Kyra Stephenson (Scott), Chris Hawn (Erin), Jason Hawn (Julie), Bryan Hawn (Danica), Kendal McKeon, Shane McKeon, and Daglar Kaynaroglu. He was the caring great-grandfather of Garrett Hawn-Pangrazio, Emmalynn Francis, Brendan Stephenson, Olivia Carcich, Charlotte Joan Hawn, Ben Locke, Max Locke, Carter Hawn, Colin Hawn, Macy Hawn, Locklyn Hawn and Dephne Kaynaroglu. Ted is predeceased by his brother, John J. Wilhelm, III (the late Iris).

He wanted to outlive his mom “Honey” past 100 but we believe Joan had a New Years Eve party he needed to attend!

Family and friends are invited to honor Ted at a visitation, Friday, January 2, 2026, 2:00 to 3:30 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by Military Honors commencing at 3:30 PM. Please wear your Philly sports best!

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ted’s memory to Eagles Autism Foundation, Eagles Autism Foundation, 1 Novacare Way, Philadelphia, PA 19145

https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation/