It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Ukrainian Institute of America shares the very sad news of the passing of our friend and esteemed member, Theodore (Ted) Dzus, Jr., grandson of our organization’s visionary founder, William Dzus, and an accomplished entrepreneur and inventor in his own right.
A man who immediately lit up any room which he entered, Ted was passionate about a few things: he completely adored his wife of 44 years, Carol; he loved and was dedicated to his family; he loved life and people; he loved cars; and he loved – and was so very proud of – the UIA and his family’s legacy in serving such an important role in preserving and advancing Ukrainian culture for over 75 years.
Working for his grandfather and father at the Dzus Fastener Company in the 1960s, Ted Jr.’s love for automotive performance helped to expand the company’s market outside the aircraft industry. Ted Jr., affectionately known in racing car circles as “The Quarter Turn Man,” took the Dzus Fastener from the aircraft industry into the motorsports and custom automotive arenas. In addition, he developed variants for engine valve cover retainers, radiator hose clamps, battery clamps, and hood pins. For all of Ted Jr.’s contributions in this industry, he was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2019. Outside the automotive and aerospace industries, Ted Jr. also extended Dzus Fasteners into the medical hardware market by creating a version of the fastener that is used to repair complex long bone fractures.
A huge fan of the UIA’s Music at the Institute series, Ted and Carol could often be spotted at UIA musical events. Never one to shy away from sharing his opinions, Ted always spoke what was on his mind. His candor and genuine interest in the continued wellbeing of our organization have been both an anchor and an inspiration to us all. We will miss him dearly.
Vichnaya Pamyat! Вічная пам’ять!
