Obituary of Theodore James Metzger
Theodore James Metzger, also known as “Ted,” passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023, at the age of 87 years old; with his son, daughter, grandchildren, and other loved ones by his side. Ted was born in Newark, New Jersey on December 27, 1935, to parents Gordon and Amelia Metzger. He had one brother, Jerome, who preceded his death in 2020.
Ted graduated in 1954 from West Orange High School, Orange, NJ. He then pursued a college education, attending Rutgers University, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Upon completing his education, Ted enlisted in the army and was stationed in Monterey, California.
Ted later married Gwen Lingler. The marriage yielded two children, Kevin and Debra, and ended after 25 years. The Metzger Family lived in Central California until 1966, relocating to the San Diego area, and eventually settling in Poway, California in 1972.
Ted worked as a systems analyst for Control Data Corporation (CDC), an early mainframe and supercomputer firm. He learned to code in FORTRAN programming language, and excelled in his field, eventually retiring from CDC in 1990. Ted maintained ties with his former coworkers and rarely missed monthly lunches with his fellow retirees. Ted remained in Poway, until moving to Elk Grove, CA in 2020 to be closer to his daughter.
Ted is survived by his son, Kevin and daughter-in-law Tammy, daughter Debra Morrow and son-in-law Mickey, five grandchildren: Brandon, Austin, Zachary, Devin, and Jared; and one great-granddaughter, Danielle. Ted was preceded in death by his longtime partner Julia.
Ted was a man of many interests, who enjoyed spending time with family. He had a passion for hiking and camping and took extended camping trips throughout the country each summer. Well-traveled, he visited every state except Alaska. You’d often find Ted with a camera in hand, taking photos of his many adventures. He was fond of trips to Lake Tahoe and hiking in the mountains with his daughter and grandchildren. He was also an avid swing dancer, who took lessons and entered many swing dancing competitions. Ted always looked forward to visiting his cousin, Martha, on Sanibel Island, Florida, where he would wander the beach collecting seashells and rocks. In his later years, he filled his days relaxing outdoors, bird watching, chatting with friends, and spending time with family.
Ted’s family and friends will always remember him for his unending kindness, caring and positive outlook, as well as his quiet disposition. He will be greatly missed and live in our hearts forever.
In honoring Ted’s end of life wishes, no funeral service will be held. An intimate celebration of life gathering, with close family, will be held at a date yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ted’s name may be directed to Bailey-Matthews Nation Shell Museum. Donations may be made online:
https://www.shellmuseum.org/donate
The family of Theodore Metzger wishes to thank our loved ones, for the support and care they have provided us, during this difficult time.
“Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us; our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.”
~ Albert Einstein
