Theodore J. Lavash

Theodore J. “Ted” Lavash, age 87, died at Lowell General Hospital on Sunday, August 31, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born in Newton, MA on June 15, 1938 and was the son of the late Ellen (Hynes) and Paul Raymond Lavash.

At a young age, Ted’s family moved to the Lakeview neighborhood of Waltham, MA. As a young boy Ted loved the Sunday Funnies in the newspaper and was an avid reader of the original EC comics. He discovered he could easily re-draw the comic book art he loved so much just by using a pencil and paper. This led to a lifelong passion for art and especially for drawing. He was particularly influenced by the EC comic cook artists Wilbur Wood and Johnny Craig.

Upon graduating from Waltham High School Ted went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, ranking Corporal.

After his time in the Marine Corps, Ted married Mary Venuti of Belmont, MA and pursued a career as a graphic artist for Itek Corporation in Lexington, MA and later as an Art Director at Honeywell Corporation in Waltham, MA. He and Mary started a family in Waltham and Ted become a dedicated husband and father.

Ted opted for early retirement and moved into the Ayer Lofts art community on Middle Street in Lowell, MA in 1999. There he become a fixture in the community, an experienced hand at creating and contributing art, a mentor to younger artists and helped the community grow. He became a well-known man in Downtown, usually found at the Ayer Lofts Gallery or in one of many Downtown establishments, where he made countless friends. His friends found great joy in Ted’s gifts for storytelling and his quick wit and with his fondness for good company and a martini or two.

Ted is survived by his two children, Cheryl Costello and her husband, Joseph Costello of FL and Theodore J. Lavash, Jr. and his significant other, Milva Catallozzi of RI and his two nieces, Sharon and Cindy. He is predeceased by his brother, Raymond Paul Lavash and his niece, Susan.

Relatives and friends are invited to Ted’s Life Celebration on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to the Arts League of Lowell, http://www.artsleagueoflowell.org/support/ or to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090.