SINGER, THEODORE B.

SINGER, Theodore (Ted) Brinkmier, 86, died at home on February 4, 2010.

He was born February 1, 1924 in Wheeling, WV to John and Mary (Brinkmier) Singer, and had a sister, Sister Mary Daniel, SSJ (Sylvia).

Ted worked for 80 years of his life. He began selling newspapers on the street corner at the age of 5. Later on, he worked on a farm, at a photography studio, and in construction. He worked until he became ill at the age of 85. He could also play most musical instruments, and he sang professionally—he even performed for President Truman.

As soon as Ted turned 18, he joined the Marines and fought with the Raider Battalion in the South Pacific during WWII, where he was repeatedly decorated for bravery in combat and was wounded at Guadalcanal. He subsequently joined the Army, where he worked in counter-intelligence (Ted spoke three languages). He then worked for the U.S. government as a GS 13. After he retired, he was the first person in Texas to be a Certified Computer Security Specialist and had his own business with clients such as Westinghouse.

In his later years, Ted volunteered (and was later employed by) the San Antonio Zoo and, finally, for almost 20 years, he worked in animal care at Sea World of San Antonio. He volunteered his time and money for many charities. He worked with the Boy Scouts in several countries for many years, was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church, a volunteer fire fighter, and a 10 Diamond Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club.

Ted was married to his beloved Ruth (McCoid) in 1944 until her death in 2000. They also leave 6 children: Dolores Howley, Johnette Singer Williams, Patricia Livermore, John Singer, Sue Singer andVicki Singer. They also leave 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Wednesday at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, where a vigil service will be held at 3:30 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am, Thursday, February 11, 2010 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wheeling, with the Rev. Daniel Pisano as celebrant. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling.