Theodore "Ted" Fijak, Jr., a retired U.S. Naval Officer and Christmas tree farmer, passed December 1, 2024 at 7:26 P.M. at The Cottages at Dartmouth Village. Born in April 1939 and raised in Chicago, IL, son of the late Theodore and Deloris Fijak, he lived in Little Compton for 26 years, for 5 years in The Villages, Florida and returned to Little Compton for his final years.
Prior to his final retirement, Ted served for 31 years in the U.S. Navy rising from Airman recruit to the rank of Captain. From 1978 to 1980 he served as Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy frigate USS Connole FF1056. After his Navy retirement, Mr. Fijak settled in Little Compton, where for 17 years he grew and sold Christmas trees. While choosing and cutting their "perfect" tree, customers could shop in the gift shop that Mr. Fijak and his wife stocked with homemade crafts, clothing, jams and jellies.
Mr. Fijak had a lifelong passion for singing barbershop harmony either in a chorus or many quartets over his singing career.
After retiring from the tree farm, Ted served as custodian of the Little Compton Community Center until he retired for the last time in April of 2019.
Ted is survived by his wife Deanna E. Fijak, a sister Mary C. Thomas of London, Ontario, Canada, two sons, Timothy P. Fijak and Kevin S. Fijak, and a daughter Patricia L. Driscoll all of Virginia Beach, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Ted was preceded in death by his brother Thomas A. Fijak.
Arrangements are private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.