Theodore (Ted) R. Bernard died August 27 at Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

Ted was born August 3, 1948. He graduated from Martha's Vineyard High School in 1967, and then attended the Andover Institute of Business.

Ted served in the Naval Reserves for six years before being honorably discharged from the Navy. He worked as the highway superintendent in Edgartown, and then went to work in the family business, taking over the management of Lou's Worry. He then went on to attend school for refrigeration and appliance repair and went into business for himself. Ted also spent several years driving a school bus in Edgartown.

Ted was a volunteer firefighter for many years. In 1989, he also became an emergency medical technician. In 2002, Ted advanced his training to the level of an intermediate emergency medical technician, and by 2006 he had completed the requirements to become an emergency medical technician instructor. Ted was an active member of the Cape and Islands Critical Incident Support Team, helping fellow emergency medical technicians cope with the stresses of their work. Ted also was a cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructor.

Ted loved children and was delighted to have his granddaughter Ella Blodgett visit with him. He was fascinated with race cars, and spent several summers going to Seekonk Speedway, where he raced for a few years before his son Alex took over the driving. Ted was also involved in Pop Warner football, serving as a coach and as the director of the program.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Pina Bernard; daughter Ellen Blodgett and her husband Mark; son Alex and his wife Kristen; mother Louise; brother Dennis; and his granddaughter Ella Blodgett.

Donations may be made to the Edgartown Fireman's Association, P.O. Box 737, Edgartown MA 02539 or to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs MA 02557.