Theodore Bartholomew "Ted" Fliller passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on September 30, 1936, in New York to Theodore Joseph and Patricia Marie Fliller, Ted lived a life marked by faith, family, and service to others.

Ted earned degrees in liberal arts and electrical engineering from Marquette University and later completed his Executive MBA at UCLA while working for Hughes Aircraft Company. His professional career included leadership roles at Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon Systems, along with several entrepreneurial ventures. A gifted storyteller with a warm and engaging personality, Ted had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

A devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine, Ted faithfully served God through kindness, generosity, and service. In 2025, one of his greatest wishes was fulfilled when his wife, May, returned to the Catholic faith and had their marriage Convalidated in the Church.

Ted shared 41 wonderful years with his wife, May. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished family gatherings and special occasions. Known affectionately as "Papa Teddy," he was adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren for his gentle, loving, and playful nature. He enjoyed reading, playing tennis, cooking, and entertaining, especially hosting his family's treasured Thanksgiving celebration.

Ted is survived by his wife, May; his children, Ann Marie (Paul) Hines, Christina (Darrell) Ford, Michelle Harrington, Kathleen Key, and Brandie Richard; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sisters, Kathleen (Bernie) Kuntz and Bette (Ed) Foley; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kathleen B. Fliller; and his sister and brother-in-law, Calista and Eugene Nowack.

A Rosary will be held on September 30, 2026 – which would have been his 90th birthday, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at noon at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 51 Marketplace in Irvine. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest. Reception to follow 4-7p.m. at IL Fornaio, 18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Believe and Build Capital Campaign for St. Thomas More's new church. Please make checks payable to St. Thomas More. In the memo, make a note “Believe and Build in Memory of Ted”.