Theodore “Ted” Polk, a longtime Garden City resident, passed away on Dec. 30 after a brief illness. He was 96 years old and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Muriel (Carlson); his son Ted (Jennifer) of Chicago; his daughter Janice Bailey (Bob) of Garden City, as well as five grandchildren—Meaghan, James, Connor Polk, Ian and Olivia Bailey. Ted is also survived by his brother Bill (Monique) of Florida and many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in the Midwest, Ted settled in the New York area after serving as a captain in the United States Army during the Second World War. He owned his own plumbing supply business. He moved his family to Garden City in 1966 and lived in the same home until 2011.
Ted was an avid golfer and gardener, and enjoyed sports of all types. In particular, in the 1970s he was active in coaching and assisting with the Garden City Centennial Soccer Club, especially with his son’s team — the Cosmos. Following his retirement, it was not uncommon to see Ted in the stands supporting various Garden City teams, even though he did not know any of the players. He was an active member of the William Bradford Turner American Legion Post and was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Ted developed many friendships over the years, and he took great pride in his family, his friends and being part of the Garden City community.
