World War II Vet, Holly Manor Resident Dies at 89

“Jetty Teddy” loved to fish. So much so he was dubbed the nickname by a newspaper.

Theodore “Ted” Ezyske, 89, died at Holly Manor after moving to Mendham two years ago, according to his obituary. Ezyske was born in Bridgewater and lived in Highland Park and Long Beach Island during his life.

He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II from 1944 to 1946, then in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948. Ezyske then became a sheet metal worker for Union Local 027 for 64 years.

Ezyske loved to fish off the jetties of Bernegat Light, earning his nickname. He “strived to live a simple, healthy life, and was a man of pure heart and love of family,” the obituary said.

He is survived by a widowed daughter-in-law, one son, and one daughter. Ezyske was predeceased by his wife and two of his sons. He is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.