In Memoriam Ted Vlavianos

In Memory of Ted Vlavianos

Colleague.Mentor.Friend.Comedian.Relay-er.

October 26, 1958 - July 28, 2011Ted lived what I refer to as a big life. His voice was big, his presence was big, the quality of his work was big and most importantly, his impact was big.-Lindsay Edgar,Manager, Guest & Volunteer Programs, Hope Lodge - NYC

I'm in..............unless, of course, Sue or Marie tell me that isn't the correct answer.

-Ted Vlavianos, In response to an invitation to help with an RVP Project"Ted had a way of making you feel everything was going to be alright, reminding you not to sweat the small stuff, and most things really are small stuff."

-Kristina Thomson, Interim EVP Metro NY

Am I supposed to be on this call!?!?!-Ted Vlavianos, In response to every conference call in his decade-plus time with ACS

What always cracked me up was, just after he zinged you, he would say... 'I'll be here all week folks, try the veal.'... It just got me every time."- Suzanne Isbell, Manager Special Events Queens RegionI so proud of my Teddy! He famous! He President the America Cancer Society!"- YaYa, Teds Mom

Ted was always making me laugh, especially and usually inappropriately, during "serious" ACS meetings. But when my husband died, he was so very kind to me and for that, I will always be grateful.

-Leslie Orlovsky, Sr. Director, Relay For Life Queens Region

"He was my guiding light during my first Relay. He was very informative, very kind, and just a great guy."

Yvette Serano, Manager, Special Events Staten Island RegionWhy would you put your information on MyFace? -Ted Vlavianos

I, as a fellow cancer survivor, always considered Ted to be an inspiration. He never seemed to allow his first illness nor his recurrence get to him. He never seemed to ask why me?

-Jessica Wigdor,Volunteer, Relay For Life of Port Washington

Some of the things I've learned at ACS - white has a season, periwinkle is not a dead singer and the only conversation after Superbowl Sunday is still about shoes.

-Ted Vlavianos

When you say the servers down, I keep on thinking that the waitress fell.

-Ted Vlavianos

- John Link, Director Special Events,Queens RegionTed was only our RVP for a brief period of time, and in that time, it wasn't anything he said, or did in particular, but he made us all feel safe.

Sorry, I got nothin' repeatable.

-Susan Pickering, Director of Special Events Nassau Region, When asked for her favorite Ted Quote.

Respected him so much inspired by him so much will fight on in his memory will always remember him!

-Lenny ODonnell, Relay For Life Eastern Division Regional Advisory Team Volunteer

Youre that special kind of crazy.

-Ted Vlavianos, to the Relay For Life of Bethpage Committee who dressed as Luminaria Bags for a St. Pattys Day Parade in TownHe started working at our Kew Gardens office the same week that the Rep. Anthony Weiner scandal broke, whose office was in our building. He hoped to get stuck in the elevator with our sext-happy Congressman: I I just have so many questions.

-Ashley Engelman, Project Manager, Communications & Marketing

"The only way this is going to be successful? I just gotta get out of their way.

-Ted Vlavianos, After the first meeting with the Port Washington Relay Committee, during his first week at ACS

If not for Ted believing in two silly girls who thought they could change the world with Hicksvilles Relay For Life, I do not know where I would be today.

-Megan Stewart,Relay For Life of Hicksville Co-Chair

10 years. Siebel-free.

-Ted Vlavianos

One of the best things about going to a National Meeting was getting a chance to talk with Ted. I will miss our conversations, his advice, and his friendship.

-Steve Konsdorf, Regional Executive Director, Great Lakes Division

When I found out I was going to have my twins, I felt like a little girl going to tell my dad I was pregnant.

-Michelle Maugeri, Sr. Director, Relay For Life, Nassau

This is, obviously, your favorite picture of all-time now, right?-Ted Vlavianos, to Eddie Mouradian after seeing this picture for the first time.

I was Teds coach, but Ted coached me. He spoke of his resilient spirit, his love of life, his love for his son, his devotion to his wife and his faith in God.

-Patricia Budd, National Volunteer Coach

Ted can you make a salad!?!?!?

-Anyone in the Nassau Region on any given day

Our last call was two weeks ago and Ted gave me his kindness, his clear direction and his support. As Billy Joel said Only the good die young.

-Cynthia Bush,Cancer Control Director, Great West Division

Sadness really doesnt describe ones feelings when someone like Ted leaves this earth. The last time I was with Ted I remember all the laughter and thinking every time I talk with Ted I go away with a bit of a new perspective on things.

-Marty Coelho, Managing Director, Communications & Marketing National Relay For LifeStop. If you tell me to Do what I think, Im going to punch you in the face.

-Eddie Mouradian, after hearing Teds famous catchphrase one too many times.

"Ted had an incredible zest for life. His actions, his desire and success always reminded me of the famous Anthony Quinn dance in Zorba the Greek.

-Don Distasio, CEO American Cancer Society, Eastern Division

I'm going to kick your ass for making me cry.

-Ted Vlavianos, after reading 10 year cancer patient Andrew Fiersteins storyHe made our office into a family.

-Lisa Schack-Romani, Manager, Relay For Life Business Unit

Through laughter & tears, through victories & triumphs we will miss you, remember you and honor you every day.

Love Always,Your American Cancer Society FamilyI Just Want to CelebrateRare EarthRare Earth20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rare EarthR&B/Soul2001-02-06T08:00:00Zberj81@msn.com 2001 Universal Motown Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.2011-05-07 14:25:21Universal:isrc:USMO17100020Dino Fekaris/Nick ZessesI Just Want to CelebrateRare EarthRare Earth20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rare EarthR&B/Soul2001-02-06T08:00:00Zberj81@msn.com 2001 Universal Motown Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.2011-05-07 14:25:21Universal:isrc:USMO17100020Dino Fekaris/Nick Zesses