Dr. Theodore G. Sturgis, former Sweet Home superintendent

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Dr. Theodore G. Sturgis, 76, of Pendleton, former superintendent of the Sweet Home School District, died Thursday, April 19, 2007 in Beechwood Health Care Center, Amherst.

Born in Buffalo, he graduated from East High School, and received a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College in 1959. While earning a master's degree in education at the University of Buffalo, he became a classroom teacher and was elected as one of the first instructors to present lessons on Channel 17's Erie County Education Television. He later earned a doctorate from Syracuse University.

Dr. Sturgis served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. While stationed in Tokyo, Japan, he was the designated officer-in-charge at the Metropolitan Tokyo Army Education Center. After returning from Japan, he resumed his teaching career in the Clarence School District.

Dr. Sturgis also served as principal of the Forestville Central School District and curriculum director, director of research and special assistant to the superintendent in the Syracuse City Schools.

He was superintendent of Sweet Home schools from 1968 to 1972. He also was superintendent of the Liverpool, Ithaca and Wappingers school districts.

Dr. Sturgis also held many civic positions in Dutchess County, including president of the county's Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation, Boy Scouts of America and Arts Council. He chaired the Dutchess County Grace Commission and also coordinated and moderated the county's 1993 and 1994 economic forums and served on the executive committee of the Mid-Hudson Economic Development Corporation.

For his leadership efforts in the community, April 23, 1995 was proclaimed "Theodore G. 'Ted' Sturgis Day." He also received the Meritorious Service Award for outstanding community leadership in the Mid-Hudson region.

After retirement, Dr. Sturgis served as a hearing officer for the State Education Department and the American Arbitration Association. He was also elected vice president of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers for six years, where he provided statewide leadership for the "Parents as Reading Partners" and "Know Your Schools" programs.

In May 2006, Dr. Sturgis received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Buffalo State College. He received the same honor from East High School in June 2006.

Dr. Sturgis is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Rita O'Leary.

Services were held on Monday, April 23 at (Amherst Chapel) Amigone Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to the Buffalo State College Foundation for the Theodore G. Sturgis Endowed Fund, 1800 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14222.