Longtime employee of Anton Community Newspapers, Theodore J. Baade, whom we all knew as "Ted," died on Jan. 15, 2003 at the age of 69. He was a resident of Bayville.

Before retiring in 2000, Mr. Baade was the Distribution Manager for Anton Newspapers for close to 35 years, and was responsible for everything involved in distributing the papers to post offices and local merchants' newsstands.

"He was a distribution manager from the old school, before computers did all the computations and sorting. He taught me all I know about mailing newspapers," said Peter Nyquist, Anton Newspapers Circulation Manager. "The various documents he prepared were used as examples by the US Postal Service, to show other mailers how it should be done."

Mr. Baade was known for his outstanding work ethic. "Ted was the type of person you never had to ask to do anything. He knew what had to be done to get our newspapers to our readers every week, working well past midnight when there was a problem or coming in at 4 a.m. to see that papers got to the post office in time for delivery that day. Ted worked right up until the doctor ordered him off his feet," Mr. Nyquist said, and added that after Ted's retirement "many of his customers would ask how he was doing, and they would always say 'be sure to say hello.' When I spoke to Ted after he left the newspapers, he would happily tell me about his 'new job,' taking care of his grandchildren during the day."

During the span of his long career, Mr. Baade took part in the company's evolution from only a few weekly newspapers on the North Shore to the 18 published today. In fact, his first job after graduating from Glen Cove High School was with those early newspapers, a job he returned to after serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Baade's experience in his job and dedication over the years to what became Anton Community Newspapers was greatly appreciated by the succession of owners and publishers.

Ted was extremely well liked by everyone at Anton Newspapers, as well as the many merchants who came to know him at their newsstands. His easygoing style, down-to-earth nature and kindness will long be remembered by many. This past summer we all enjoyed Ted's return visit to our offices in Mineola, where he was part of our "family" for many years. We will miss him.

Mr. Baade was a volunteer at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, where his wife Roberta works. He donated his time and energy every year to the Apple Festival, their annual fundraiser.

He was the beloved husband of Roberta; loving father of Theodore J. Jr. (Lisa) and Thomas H. (Gina). He was the brother of Dorothy Preston (the late Del), William (Irene), Carol Roff (the late Mort) and Alan (Rose) and the proud grandfather of Meredith and Alison.

Arrangements were made by the Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home, Glen Cove and a service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, interment at Brookville Cemetery. Donations may be made in Theodore Baade's memory to: Trinity Lutheran Church or to Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf.