Committal
Theodore “Ted” Charles Restel, 81, of Morganton, NC, passed away on February, 2, 2025. Born on February 17, 1943, in Cleveland, OH, he was the son of the late Harvey Theodore and Sarah Hartwell Restel.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Holly Sue Restel; sons, Greg (Kathy) of Savannah, GA, Todd (Eva Marie) of La Crosse, WI; daughter, Marianne Ouren (Karen) of Lewes, DE; grandsons, Grant (Katie), Jared (Anna), Ben, Joel, Wyatt, and Josh; great-grandson, Luka; brother, Larry (Teri); sister-in-law, Linda; nephews, Brad (Liz) and Jeff (Dianna); and great-nephew and nieces, Ryan, Taylor, and Selene.
At the age of twelve, Ted’s family moved to Sycamore, IL, where he met Holly. He attended Northern Illinois University where he was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon. After graduating in 1964 with a degree in geography, he began working as a cartographer at Rand McNally in Chicago, IL. However, he soon discovered his true calling as an aviator and joined the Air Force in 1968. Ted earned the rank of Captain and flew C-141’s on multiple missions in Vietnam. He also had the opportunity to fly home the astronauts of the Apollo 15 mission. After leaving the Air Force, Ted began a long career with Piedmont Airlines (later USAirways) as a captain, instructor, and check airman. Ted loved flying so much he often said it did not feel like work. During his thirty-year career as a commercial pilot, he flew multiple aircraft on both domestic and international routes. He was en route over the Atlantic on September 11, 2001, and diverted to Halifax, Nova Scotia, keeping the passengers and crew calm until they were safely on the ground.
After retiring to Lake James in 2005, Ted loved serving with Habitat for Humanity, the Soup Kitchen, Mission Morganton, and Meals on Wheels. He also enjoyed having more time for his hobbies of golf, racquetball, snow skiing, fishing, and flying just for fun. Ted especially loved his family and relished time with them at the lake, special occasions, and on trips, treating the entire family to an amazing trip to Alaska in 2018.
Ted was a member of First Baptist Church of Morganton and the Koinonia Sunday school class.
There will be a funeral service at First Baptist of Morganton, 502 W Union Street, on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and the Rev. Mike Johnson. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, in the Table Rock Room at Grace Ridge Retirement Community, 500 Lenoir Rd in Morganton. A private interment in Illinois will be scheduled at a later date.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of Grace Ridge Retirement Community, Grace Heights Health & Rehabilitation, and AMOREM Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Ted during these last few months.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126 (parkinson.org) or First Baptist Church of Morganton, 502 W Union St., Morganton, NC 28655. (firstbaptistmorganton.org).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Theodore “Ted” Charles Restel.
Being a pilot scheduler I had the pleaasure of working with Ted. He was always kind and a true gentleman to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I worked and flew with Ted. A excellent pilot and a gentleman. Rest in peace
I am so saddened to just hear of the passing of a dear friend from the past. Ted was a truly a great friend, pilot and person. After retirement I lost track of Ted as so many times happen. My prayers and condolences to his family. We worked in the training department together and spent many hours together at Piedmont Airlines. I apologize for the late response. Tom Sharpe Piedmont Airlines
Sorry for your loss. Wonderful pilot and man.
Sorry to hear of Ted's passing. We are in Troutman N C. I would have been honored to attend the Service. Ted was in the class behind me and we were not best friends but enjoyed conversations when we crossed paths. I am glad to have known him and will remember him fondly. Retired { many Years} Dick Williard
Capt Restel was a wonderful B727 captain to work with when I was a junior flight engineer. Ftiendly, helpful, patient and excellent leader. He took care of his crew! He set the example for me to emulate later when I became a captain, RIP Ted. You were the best.
Fly High Ted! You were a shining example to those who followed. Fly High!
Good Aviator, good friend. You are missed brother. Godspeed.
I am very sad to hear of Ted’s departure West. Ted was my instructor as S/O on the 727 as a new hire at Piedmont. I was fortunate to have him as my instructor for a tuff program. We were in MIA for my sim ride , I will never forget on the first take off Piedmont taught us to watch engines on departures, not stare at our FE panel. After departing I looked back and the FAA inspector had failed our A hydraulic system . Inspector froze the sim and started yelling at me for not catching the failure sooner. He said I should “bust” you now. Ted immediately asked the inspector to step outside sim . I was in shock figured I had failed. But I heard Ted giving the inspector a lecture about Piedmont procedures and that I was doing what I was trained . So we restarted the “ride” it didn’t last a total of 30 minutes. The inspector stopped and said see you in my office .And I still see Ted now smiling as he turned and shook my hand congratulating me for passing. He reassured me I had. I will never forget Ted one of Piedmont’s finest. , I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed in life. God Bless Ted and his family my heartfelt condolences.
I had the privilege of flying many times with Ted . He was a gentleman. And an excellent pilot. In my years as a Captain. He was one who I always would try and follow as a mentor . They say that in heaven that there is a place where old pilots can hang out with each other And have a cool one . I am sure that all the others that have proceeded him will smile and welcome him , God speed Ted Gods speed