Title	Mr.
Last Name	Bryant
First Name	Theo
Middle Name	Aaron
Maiden Name
Nick Name	Ted
Place of Birth	Waterbury, CT
Date of Birth	1930-06-22
Place of Death	Dexter, ME
Date of Death	2024-08-22
Publication	BDN 2024-09-04
Obituary	Dexter - Theo "Ted" Aaron Bryant, 94, passed away at his home on August 22, 2024. Ted was born in Waterbury, CT, on June 22, 1930, the only child of Odell Condit Bryant and Edith Mae Millett-Bryant. Ted graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1948, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture at University of Maine, Orono in 1952. Ted then went on to receive a Master of Science Teaching degree at Colby College in 1968. While he was participating in a National Science Foundation Institute, he received a certificate of advanced studies "CAS" degree at University of Maine in Orono in 1977. He also participated in the National Science Foundation Institute at Indiana University, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He went on to become certified as a high school principal and as a vocational school director. Ted purchased Young's Greenhouse in Dexter in 1952. It was operated by Ted and his wife, Shirley as "Bryant the Florist" until 1970. Ted worked at Fayscott Machine Tool Corp in Dexter for nine years as a machinist and as a draftsman. He also worked at Fayscott part time for many years during his teaching career as draftsman and design engineer. Ted was on the Dexter School Union school board during the formation of the School Administrative District and the planning and early construction phase of Dexter Regional High School and Tri-County Technical Center. Ted started his 29-year career as a science teacher at Greenville High School. After teaching there for one year he came back to Dexter Regional High School "DRHS" where he also served as Science Department Chair, Athletic Director, and Local Staff Development Chair for several years. During his teaching career, he served as president of the DRHS Teachers Association, he was the chief negotiator of teacher contracts for 26 years, he was a member of a state committee on teacher certification, and he was on the Maine Teachers Association (MTA) Negotiating Committee, MTA trustee of the Clyde Russell Trust and he served five years on the MTA Board of Directors. Ted was also a member of the Dexter Fire Department for 34 years where he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief. He was also a member of the Dexter Conservation Committee. Ted was also a member of the Dexter Jaycees for many years, a 50 plus year member of the masons, a 50 plus year member of the Odd Fellows, rising to the rank of Noble Grand and he oversaw the retiring of its Charter and distribution of its remaining funds and formation of the Odd Fellows Scholarship. Ted was an active member of the first Dexter Kiwanis Club in 1950's and of the more recent Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis being president in 2008 and initiated the formation of the Dexter Kiwanis Thrift Store. Ted's hobbies over the years include fly tying, softball, fishing, hunting, and especially golf. He belonged to several local golf clubs, and he worked at the Dexter Municipal Golf Course for several years. Ted was predeceased by his loving wife, Shirley. Ted is survived by his significant other, Cindy Thibodeau; his daughter, Sharon Bryant Elias; and son, Donald and Barbara Bryant; his grandchildren, Jacob Bryant and Christina Gilbert, Craig and Elizabeth Corsi, Gregory and Sarah Harper; eight great-grandchildren, Luetta, Matilda, Violet and Josephine Harper, Emma, Jack, Ellie and Maggie Corsi. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary Kelliher and Jayne Sylonski. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sunrise Kiwanis scholarship fund code DSKC at Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. A celebration of life will be held September 14, 4-6 p.m. at Dexter VFW Hall on Cedar Street. For those who wish to leave written condolences, may do so at crosbyneal.com. To send flowers to the family of Theo "Ted" Aaron Bryant, please visit Tribute Store. Published on September 4, 2024