Theodore Sandson ’55

Ted died July 1, 2016, of cancer. He was 82. He was born Dec. 17, 1933, in Greenburg, Pa., to Zena Kirshner and Samuel Zalek Sandson.

Ted came to us from Mercersburg Academy. At Princeton, he majored in politics and joined Cloister. He was a member of the University bridge team and was active in the Spanish Club and the Western Pennsylvania Club. He lived in 135 1903 Hall with J. Rick Ward.

He was drafted into the Army and served as a newspaper editor. After the military, Ted’s business acumen helped him transform the Sandson family grocery into a chain of Shop ’n Save stores throughout Westmoreland County, Pa. A hands-on owner, Ted often worked in the produce department, throwing away more than he sold.

Showing joie de vivre, Ted threw elaborate parties for family and friends in Harrison City, where he lived for more than 40 years before moving to Squirrel Hill’s Summerset at Frick Park in 2004. Every February, Ted vacationed in Acapulco, spending the remaining winter months in Florida. An avid bridge player, Ted was a member of the American Contract Bridge League, achieving the rank of gold life master in 2008.

Ted is survived by his partner of 17 years, Paul “Buddy” Georg.