Theodore J. Baj (1923 - 2002)
Funeral director, WW II VeteranTheodore J. Baj, 79, former owner and operator of Baj Funeral Home in Port Richmond, died of colon cancer Sunday at his home in Port Richmond.
Mr. Baj was considering a medical career when he was called to take over the family business. He was serving as a pharmacist's mate on the USS Rescue, a hospital ship stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. His father died, so when Mr. Baj returned from the war, he became a funeral director.
Founded in 1915 by Mr. Baj's father, John, Baj Funeral Home has been in Port Richmond ever since. In 1925, the funeral home moved from its original location on Edgemont Street to Thompson Street and Lehigh Avenue.
A 1941 graduate of North Catholic High School, Mr. Baj attended La Salle College and received a degree from the former Dolan School of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. He was licensed in 1945.
Mr. Baj, a lifelong Port Richmond resident, operated the funeral home until his retirement in the mid-1980s. Several years later, he sold the business, but he and his wife, Irene, continued to live in the apartment above the funeral home.
Mr. Baj was past president of the John Sobieski Building & Loan Association and served on the pastoral council of St. Laurentius Roman Catholic Church. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 152.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, Mr. Baj is survived by his daughters, Theodora Penny and Pamela Glogau, and two grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 5 to 6:45 p.m. today at St. Laurentius Roman Catholic Church, 1608 E. Berks St. A Funeral Mass will follow at 7 at the church. Burial arrangements are private.
Memorial donations may be sent to the St. Laurentius Building Fund, 1608 E. Berks St., Philadelphia 19152.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, May 15, 2002.
Theodore J. BajMay 12, 2002, died Theodore J. Baj
Beloved husband of Irene, loving father of Theodora Penny and Pamela Glogau, devoted grandfather of Gregory Penny and Gordon Glogau.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday 5 to 6:45 P.M. at St. Laurentius Church, Memphis and Berks Sts. Funeral Mass to follow at 7 P.M. The family is respecting Ted's wishes will have a private interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted's memory to the St. Laurentius Building Fund, 1608 E. Berks St., Philadelphia, PA 19125 would be appreciated by his family. Baj Funeral Home, tel. 215-739-2929.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, May 14, 2002