Theodore Skartsiaris
March 25, 1948 – October 31, 2024
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be given to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 76 of Portage passed away October 31, 2024. Theodore was born in Kalamazoo on March 25, 1948, the son of Gus and Mary Helen (LaForge) Skartsiaris. He was married to Patricia Mann who survives him. Theodore was a graduate of Hackett High School. He worked for many years as the Food Service Manager at Western Michigan University, retiring in 2014. He loved NASCAR racing and visiting the Michigan International Speedway whenever possible. He was a jack-of-all trades and could fix nearly anything. In his spare time, Theodore volunteered for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, an organization that was dear to his heart. He was also a member of the Umpire Club Crew. Theodore was an accomplished athlete, winning awards in track in high school. As an adult, he was a high school softball umpire, and enjoyed sports of all kinds, none so much though as watching his grandchildren play. He wore his heart on his sleeve and inspired anyone who was a part of his life. Nothing was more important to him than his family and he loved spending time with them, especially during the holidays! Besides his wife, Theodore is survived by his children, Stacy (Craig) Schuring, Daniel Tiffany, Brian Tiffany, Scott Tiffany; grandchildren, Brittney (Shawn Newnum) Edwards, Kyle (Laura Munn) Edwards, Jessica Tiffany, Joshua Tiffany and James Schuring; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Mike (Sandy) Skartsiaris; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and countless friends. He was also preceded in passing by a son, Scott Tiffany; sister and brother-in-law, Joanne (Jim) Willson.

Ted, You will be missed. We know you are now out of pain and able to reconnect with those that went before you. Thank you for being a good friend, we love you.
I would like to express my sincere condolences and prayers to Pat and the entire family. Ted was a great umpire and friend. we served together on the Big League World Series Ground crew for 10 years. I personally had the privilege of being on the 2006 World Series umpire crew with Ted. I will truly miss his friendship. Ted was a great man we always had fun working together. R.I.P. my little buddy.
Our sincere condolences to Ted’s family. He was a great person, hard working, well respected and willing to give of his time for others. May eternal light shine upon him.
Ted was a classmate through elementary and high school. He was one of the kindest classmates and I always enjoyed catching up with him at reunions.
Dear Uncle Ted. What a humble servant, his energy and heart devoted to helping others and loving his family. He was always restless, ready to jump up to give someone a hand, noticing the little things that others may miss. Sweet and caring to his wife and kids, a hands on grandfather, and he seemed to always be at every ballgame I ever went to for Little League. He never thought of himself, always pushing harder to be there for others and to make life for everyone around him easier. I imagined him in Heaven the morning he passed, with family he hadn’t seen before, great grandparents, his parents, extended family and his friends. He earned the rest. Much love and hugs to the family.
So sorry to hear about Ted. As kids we send a lot of time together.. Mike so sorry for your loss