ROCKLAND — Ted John Diebold, 71, passed away at his home in Rockland on Monday, February 1, 2021.

Born in Seattle, Washington, he was raised and educated locally before enlisting in the United States Navy.

Ted was proud of his four years of service in the U.S. Navy, serving two of those years as a Submariner during the Vietnam War.

Following his service, he used his G.I Bill and graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in Aerospace Management. He chose to pursue aircraft maintenance, starting with Hughes Airwest in Phoenix
Arizona., then with Republic Airlines, and Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He retired in 2005 after 25 years as a mechanic and inspector.

With flight benefits, and many trips to Maine, he fell in love with coastal Maine and chose Rockland for his retirement in 2009, or as he called it, his “reclining years.”

He and his partner of 29 years, Debby Hansen, loved to travel, visiting Europe many times, as well as Asia. He was a huge animal lover who always had multiple cats, and added dogs to the mix when he retired. He and Debby fostered many cats and kittens over the years. Ted would spend much time on his bed napping and enjoying the kittens crawling on and napping with him.

Another of Ted’s loves were his Jaguars, Especially, his first car, a 1956 Jaguar XK-140 which he bought in 1967 while in high school and kept his whole life. Many of you saw Ted and his trusty dog, Zoey, who rode shotgun with him around Rockland.

Ted was a very smart, humble person, known for his quick dry humor and was unbelievably generous. He was a “johnny-on-the-spot” when someone needed help. He was not showy and happy with the simple pleasure of good food, beer, friends, and family, overlooking the oceanfront.

Predeceased by his parents and his favorite former mother in-law, Hellan Goodhope of Seattle; he is survived by his partner of 29 years, Debby Hansen of Rockland; his sisters Judy and Sue of Seattle Washington; his brother Jim of Thomaston; Bryan Hansen, who he considered his son, of Minneapolis Minnesota; and Debby’s sister Tish Taylor of Rockland; along with several nieces and nephews.

No services will be held at this time for Ted as his family has chosen to remember his life privately.

Donations in Ted’s memory can be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, PO Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841

To share a memory or condolence with Ted’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.