Teodoro "Ted" Isidro Urreta

Teodoro Isidro Urreta, Chief Warrant Officer 3, US Army, Retired, passed away on January 31st, 2023 in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. Known as "Ted" by his family and friends, he was born on May 15th, 1935, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, the only child of Jose Albert Urreta & Dolores Villodas.

Ted and his family emigrated to the US when he was 5 years old along with his pup, Chico-Mouse. They settle in Long Island, NY, where he graduated from Bay Shore High School in 1955. Upon graduation he joined the US Army and served 4 years active duty in Neubrucke, Germany, where he earned multiple decorations, medals, commendations, and campaign ribbons, which included the National Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Ted served 25 years in the Army Reserves in the 312th Military Intelligence Detachment in New Orleans, LA, where he attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.

In his civilian life, Ted worked in many capacities in aircraft maintenance and in aerospace technology. He earned an Associate in Science Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from Delgado Junior College in 1973 in New Orleans. And, he continued his education earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of South Mississippi in 1975. Ted began his teaching career at Delgado Junior College, as an instructor and eventually advancing to Chairman of the Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program. In 1978, he joined Martin Marietta Aerospace where he served as a Senior Training Specialist and led efforts on the External Tank Project and thermal protection systems. The crew of Columbia presented Mr. Urreta with a "First Shuttle Flight Achievement Award" for his contribution to the success of the First Manned Orbital Flight of the Space Shuttle.

Upon retirement, Ted served his community as a dedicated volunteer and leader. While residing in Slidell, LA, he attained certification with the Humane Society of the US and LSU School of Veterinary Medicine as a certified Animal Cruelty Investigator and Animal Control Officer with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. He also served with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the "Animals in Disaster Community Planning and Disaster Awareness and Preparedness" programs.

Mr. Urreta was a Founding member of the Slidell Youth Soccer Club and coached his son, Glen's, teams throughout the years. Ted was also the Assistant Coach of the Delgado Jr. College soccer team when he taught at the school.

Ted always gave back to the communities in which he lived. He loved his family and friends, and was very proud of his service to our country. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Patricia Hann Urreta, his children Denise D. Hines and son Glen J. Urreta (Shannon), granddaughter Sydney Laine Williams, and cousin Julie Kennedy Fagan, and his beloved canine companion Elke.

Mr. Urreta was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Keith A. Hines.

If so moved, and in honor of his life-long love for animals (particularly dogs), a donation to Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County would be greatly appreciated by his family.

Services will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Edmond Fahey Funeral Home, 110 Necaise Avenue, Bay Saint Louis, MS. Visitation from 10:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m., with Funeral at 11:30 a.m. 

Army Honors and Interment will take place at the Biloxi National Cemetery on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Ted Urreta.