Thaddeus Joseph "Ted" Mesh, Jr.

Thaddeus J (Ted) Mesh, Jr. of Milford, Delaware (originally Hanover Township, Pennsylvania) passed on May 30, 2026, at home and surrounded by his loving family. His journey on this earth is complete after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Words can’t express our gratitude for all of those who helped along the way, particularly Dr. Desai and the phenomenal staff at Tunnel Cancer Center (especially Fran, Noah and the girls in triage, and “Irish”). Thank you to Sambo’s for making one of his final wishes possible. 

Ted was born October 26, 1946, in the Lyndwood sect of Hanover Township, the son of the late Ted and Bernadine Yarushefski Mesh.

Ted graduated in 1964 from Hanover High School and briefly attended Penn State (Wilkes Barre campus) before enlisting in the US Air Force in January 1965. After basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska until 1967; he served at Air Base Bitburg in Germany until his Honorable Discharge in 1969.

Upon his discharge, he worked for the local Ironworkers Union while awaiting his April 22, 1971, enlistment in the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He served his entire career at Troop K Media until his retirement November 22, 1991.

Very soon after, Ted moved to Delaware and started a construction business, TJM Builders, before retiring in 2007. He enjoyed life with his favorite pastimes and hobbies: mostly golf, country line dancing, watching Philadelphia sports teams, and reading murder/spy mystery novels. He was a Past Exalted Ruler and active member in the Elks #2540 (Lewes, DE) before joining the Milford Elks.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Eleanor G (Delgott) Mesh, his wife of 8 years, Carol (Libby) Mesh, a son, Jeffrey Mesh and brother, Frank Mesh.

He is survived by his sister Rosanne Mesh, and stepchildren Jimmy Duffy (Enjou), Marlene Duffy, and Christine Duffy.

He is also survived by his Delaware family which includes his wife, Lora (Gooden) Mesh and “kids” Sean Gooden (Lisa) and Jayne Gooden (Carol), all of Milford. Grands include Kelly (Owen), Amanda (Joe), and Jackson. There are 2 ½ Delaware great-grands: Levi and -coming soon - baby Tripp (Kelly), and Addie (Amanda), all of which will greatly miss Mr. Ted.

A Celebration of Ted's Life will be held at 11am on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Milford Elks Lodge 18951 Elks Lodge Road,  Milford, where friends may call two hours prior. Light lunch and refreshment provided following the celebration. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Milford Elks Lodge. Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

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