Harold A. "Ted" Fish

Harold A. "Ted" Fish, Jr

Local business owner Harold A. "Ted" Fish Jr died January 21, 2022, at Cayuga Medical Center, from complications of Covid pneumonia. His partner Janet was by his side. Ted was born June 23, 1942, in Ithaca NY, son of Harold A. Fish, Sr and Frankie Haught Fish. Ted attended Ithaca schools and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1960. After graduation, Ted enlisted in the US Navy and served his country for 3 years. Upon returning, Ted worked several jobs including driving for Greyhound and working for Agway, until joining his parents in their business South Side Fuel Company. In 1973, his parents passed property ownership of South Side Fuel Co to him. After many successful years in the business, Ted sold the company. Not quite ready for retirement, Ted started Tower Talk of Ithaca and erected several cell towers on his property on South Hill. His was one of the first cell towers in Ithaca. Ted decided to officially retire and sold his cell tower business in 2012.

Ted had a lifelong love of boats and boating. He restored several antique wooden boats and traveled the country entering them in boat shows, often winning honors for his restorations. Along with antique boats, he had a love of new boats as well. He could often be seen cruising Cayuga Lake with family and friends, in his Trojan cruiser or his pride and joy, his wood reproduction Hacker Craft boat. Of course, always mapping out the very best locations for food, drink, and fun.

With his gorgeous mahogany Hacker Craft, he traveled throughout the US, boating on rivers and lakes across the country. Many of those trips were made with fellow antique wooden boat enthusiasts, traveling the Tennessee and adjacent rivers and the St John's River in Florida. He always made lifelong friends of those fellow travelers.  In later years, Janet accompanied him, and the memories they made together were very special.

Ted traveled to Hawaii on a few vacations. He loved it so much that he bought a piece of property in 1987 in the town of Hauula Hi, on the windward side of Oahu, just across the road from the ocean. Originally thought to be an investment, the lure of a winter home made him decide to develop it. So in 1989, along with his 2 best Hawaiian friends, William and Billy Lindsey, built his home from the ground up. He was very proud of this home, the first one he had ever built. Many years of warm, relaxing winters were spent there. Also in later years, Janet was fortunate to be able to join him there as well and build more memories. Many relaxing years were spent with the good friends he had made there.

Both Ted and his father were Masons, and Ted had been in the Masonic organization since youth, and his achievements and awards were numerous.  They included a 57-year member of Fidelity-Hobasco Lodge # 51, F.&A.M. of Ithaca.  He attained the degree of Master Mason on March 3, 1964, and received his Fidelity - Hobasco Lodge #51 F.&A.M. 55 year certificate and pin on June 10, 2019.  He was also Monarch of Balbec Grotto in the late 60s or very early 70s, and his official title would be Past Monarch of Balbec Grotto, Ithaca NY.

Ted is survived by his partner of 15 years, Janet Golden Howe. His daughter Lori Fish Sandoz (Rob) his 2 grandchildren Leona and Griffin Sandoz. He is also survived by his nephew Eddie Herson and his 2 children. Ted was predeceased by his parents Harold and Frankie Fish and by his sister Marianne Fish Herson, for whom he named several of his beloved boats.

Please join us in a celebration of Ted's life on Monday, January 31 at Bangs Funeral Home. Calling hours will be 1-2 pm, funeral services beginning at 2 pm. Burial will be in the family plot in East Lawn Cemetery in the spring.

The family and friends of Ted Fish wish to thank Cayuga Medical Center Intensive Care Unit for their medical expertise and compassion in Ted's final days.   Online condolences can be left at www.bangsfuneralhome.com