LACONIA — Theodore L. Faller (Ted) passed away peacefully in his “chair,” with his wife by his side, at their home in Laconia on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. He lived for 89 years. Ted’s mind was solid and proud but, due to a tired heart, his health declined quickly. In his last few weeks, he was surrounded by family and friends knowing he was loved and us knowing our love was returned.
Born on Feb. 12, 1929, to Andrew and Josephine Faller, in Yonkers, New York, Ted grew up and attended school in Amityville, New York. He graduated from Kings Point U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a bachelor of science degree, third mate’s license, and ensign’s commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Ted sailed as third officer for Moore McCormack lines to South America. After one year, he activated his Naval commission and went through flight training in Pensacola, Florida. Upon earning his wings, he was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, serving as a pilot on numerous aircraft carriers and as a landing signal officer. He left the Navy in 1956, to become a pilot for Pan American Airways. Next he landed a job as a pilot for Grumman Aerospace in Bethpage, New York. He flew for 31 years for Grumman, traveling all over the world in Gulfstream Is, IIs and IIIs and finished out his career as director of flight transportation.
Ted met and fell in love with Christa Riegert in Islip, New York. They were married in 1957. They chose Bayport, Long Island, to be their home by the sea. They built their first home and raised three children: Andrew, Deborah and Michael. Ted had a passion for being an outdoorsman. He enjoyed boating, fishing and clambakes on the Great South Bay; family beach time and sunset dinners on Fire Island; hunting on Long Island and up at their Plainfield cabin, plus snowmobiling, skiing and cookouts; camping and boating in the wilderness of Lake George.
Gatherings with family and friends were always at the core of Ted and Chris’ 61-year-long adventure filled with good food, plenty of cheer and great music (remember the Gut Bucket). In their retirement years, the adventures brought them to many places, including the “A” Frame Cabin in Plainfield; the Lake House on Moultonborough Neck; condo ocean/river living in Cocoa Beach, Florida; RV trips; the cabin on Bear Island, Lake Winnipesaukee; the second Moultonborough House; and finally their home in the Taylor Community. Any one of these places would evoke happy memories from the many family and friends with whom he shared his life.
Ted was proud to serve his country and volunteer his time. He had a passion for military history and was a Freemason for more than 64 years (Chocorua Lodge 83). Ted lived his life with a sense of duty and honor and was a well-rounded man. He was a true gentleman, a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was always there for his family and friends.
The family he leaves to continue his legacy includes his loving wife of 61 years, Christa Faller; three children, Andrew Faller, Debbie VanZandt, and Michael Faller; their spouses, Lisa Faller, Barry VanZandt, and Sonya Faller; their grandchildren and their spouses and great-grandchildren, David and Blair Faller and daughter Lena Jo, Lauren Faller and children Brad and Jessica, Kalianna VanZandt, Todd VanZandt and Devon Faller.
For all the people whose lives Ted has touched, there will be a church service at the First Congregational Church, 4 Highland St., Meredith, on Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. Ted’s wishes were to be cremated. A private ceremony will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ted’s memory to the First Congregational Church. Go in Peace.


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