ALFRED – A much beloved chaplain, Br. Theodore (Fr. Ted), 83, of Alfred, died on May 5, 2023 at Maine Medical Center in Portland after a lengthy period of declining health.

He was born in Fall River, Mass. on Jan. 18, 1940, the only child of Rodolphe and Alice (Surrette) Letendre. In 1953 he began his formation as a religious brother on the campus of Notre Dame Institute in Alfred. On Aug. 15, 1958, he became a Brother of Christian Instruction. He professed the perpetual vows of religion on Aug. 22, 1964.

During his years as an educator he served as guidance counselor in Fall River, Mass., first at Msgr. Prevost High School (1964-68) and then at Bishop Connolly High School (1968-78). He was deeply committed to C.L.C. Solidarity Movement. After receiving his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Bridgewater State College he relocated in 1978 to North Canton, Ohio to work in admissions for his undergraduate alma mater, Walsh College (now University). Beginning in 1985 he enjoyed very successful years in pastoral work as campus minister. Brother Ted was very active in the WU chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He earned the Outstanding Educator of the Year award in 1989.

In 1985 he was chosen by his religious confreres to be their ordained Brother to serve the chaplaincy needs of their community and to direct the N.D. Spiritual Center on the Notre Dame campus in Alfred. After his seminary studies at Boston College and the Western School of Theology (Massachusetts), he was ordained to the priesthood on Aug. 9, 1997 by Bishop Joseph Gerry of Portland. His years of ministry manifested remarkable endearing qualities: great sympathy, sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

In 2017 he “retired” to the Brothers’ facility in Alfred, continuing to offer highly appreciated chaplaincy services to the very end.

Brother Ted will be greatly missed not only by his religious confreres and a few distant cousins, but especially by his many friends and “parishioners” who found his services and advice very motivating.

Local pastor of St. Therese in Sanford Fr. Wilfred Labbe will preside over the prayers at the reception of Brother Ted’s body in the Brothers’ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel in Alfred at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. A wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. that evening. Both ceremonies are open to the public, the wake hours being from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass to be celebrated Friday by the Most Rev. Bishop Robert Deeley of Portland. All are welcome. Burial will take place immediately in the Brothers’ Cemetery on Shaker Hill.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Fr. Ted’s favorite charities, the Brothers’ newest mission school of O.L. of the Assumption in South Sudan.

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