Theodore "Ted"  Ravas Jr. passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at his home in The Villages, Florida. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Ravas, Ted leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience. He is survived by his two children: Stephen H Ravas and his wife, Lesley; Theodore John Ravas and his wife, Yanni; and his partner, Kristy Kemp. Ted took immense pride in his grandchildren: Makenna, Colton, Timothy, and Theara Ravas, who brought him endless joy and some angst.

Born on August 1, 1943, Ted's life was nothing short of miraculous. He arrived in the world without a functional esophagus, and survival was far from certain. Henry Ford Hospital surgeon Conrad Ramsey Lam performed a groundbreaking series of surgeries beginning when Ted was just four days old, creating an esophagus from skin grafts taken from his legs and back. Remarkably, Ted became one of two known individuals to survive this complex procedure. He endured over 50 surgeries throughout his life but faced these challenges with unwavering determination. His esophagus required him to push food down to his stomach, which became a cherished and humorous memory for his grandchildren, who often mimicked him in their younger years.

Despite his health challenges, Ted thrived personally and academically.  After graduating from secondary school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Michigan followed by a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit in 1968. Ted's resolve to power through adversity was starkly evident when, during one of many hospital visits, 30 pounds underweight and wearing a feeding tube, he checked out temporarily to take and pass the bar exam.

After law school, Ted moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the Department of Agriculture, where he drafted policy. His commitment to justice led him to the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, where he worked tirelessly to desegregate schools in the South, making a lasting impact on countless lives despite threats to his life.

Ted was not all business, though. A few years after law school, he made the bold decision to leave the DOJ and embark on an 18-month journey through Europe. This transformative experience enriched his life and provided him with a treasure trove of stories, which he enthusiastically shared with family and friends.

Upon returning to the States, he joined the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Philadelphia office, where he first met his future wife, Barbara. Around 1977, Ted transitioned to General Tire in Ohio, where he spent invaluable years. It was here that his two wonderful sons were born, and he took great pride in his work. Notably, Ted represented General Tire during the Iranian takeover of its plant amidst the Iranian Revolution, showcasing his dedication and resilience. In 1998, Ted returned to the EEOC, this time in Washington, D.C., where he held various roles until his retirement in 2008.

Ted will be fondly remembered as a passionate Michigan Wolverines football fan, and we are grateful he had the opportunity to witness their first College Football Playoff Championship in 2023. He was also a Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions even in his waning days. He was an avid reader, a fan of James Bond movies, and had a particular fondness for tennis, bridge, and ballroom dancing; the latter two developed during his retirement years. Ted's commitment to lifelong learning was evident in his quest to master the Italian language, a pursuit he approached with enthusiasm and good humor, even though his progress was limited. His love of dancing brought him to his partner, Kristy, who was with him until the end.

Ted was a devoted father who demonstrated his love and commitment by attending Catholic Mass with his children for over 14 years, despite being Lutheran. He actively participated in their lives by coaching soccer and baseball and taking his kids to sports practices and other activities, fostering their passions and ensuring they felt encouraged in every endeavor. His unwavering presence illustrated the depth of his love and commitment to his family.

Ted is also survived by his siblings: Lynne Bryant and her husband Art, Andrea Ravas and her husband Ben Johnson, and Janet Ravas, with whom he was close.  He also leaves behind extended family and friends from all phases of his 82 years who will miss him.

Ted's commitment to social justice and his unwavering spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him. Ted believed his purpose in life was to improve the world and to raise a family that would positively contribute to society. In honoring his memory, the family invites everyone to reflect on his remarkable journey and the many lives he touched through his unwavering spirit and dedication to making the world a better place.

A celebration of Ted's life will take place at 10 am on February 21, 2025 at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (9801 Center Way Rd., Mont. Vlg, MD 20886) with an interment at All Souls Cemetery to follow (11401 Brink R., Germantown, MD 20879).

All are welcome to gather after for lunch with the family at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (390 Spectrum Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879).