Ferdinand Tedesco Obituary

Ferdinand Dominic Tedesco DANIEL ISLAND - Ferdinand Tedesco, long-term resident of Seabrook Island, passed away peacefully shortly after midnight on 2 July 2021 in Charleston following rapid onset illness. He was 89. Ferd Tedesco was a former Public Health Advisor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA, until his retirement in 1980. He had also spent a brief period in the US Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet (c. 1952-53). Ferd (aka "Ferdy" or "Ferdinand" to close friends and family alike) was known as one full of life, and admired for his affection for all people. He was a lover of good food, Italian culture, and the company of close friends. A seasoned traveler and avid boater/camper, he traversed the United States twice with six kids and a pop-up camper; vacationed with his family for many years at the Jersey Shore; and enjoyed numerous summers boating and camping at Lake Lanier Georgia. Tedesco was a patron of the College of Charleston's Cougars basketball team and the Dock Street Theater also in Charleston. He was fond also of spending extended periods in his beloved Italy. Ferd was married to the former Nancy Caldwell, and they attended the Church of Our Savior on Johns Island. He is predeceased by his son, Richard J. Tedesco (d. August 1998; survived by wife, Dierdre Tedesco Cox); daughter, Sheran D. (Watkins) (d. December 2006; survived by husband, Wade M. Watkins); and former wife, Margaret A. (Cronin) Tedesco (d. August 2009). He is survived by his wife, Nancy; four children, (Joseph F. Tedesco (Jeanette Canada) of Charleston, SC; CDR Michael F. Tedesco, USN (Ret.) (Sharon "Miki" Easterling) of Beavercreek, OH; Susan M. Gardiner-Cump (Dr. Paul Cump) of Monument, CO; and Dr. Laura Tedesco-LeGrand (Franck LeGrand) of Charleston, SC); 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three step-children; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews to whom he was bound by deep, and enduring affection. Ferdinand Tedesco will be missed by family, friends, associates, neighbors, health-care providers, acquaintances, local store clerks, and many more. Memorial services will be conducted at St. Mary's Cemetery near South Amboy, NJ, (06 Sept) and Church of Our Saviour, Johns Island, SC, (over Columbus Day Weekend, date TBD). In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to Habitat for Humanity or to a favorite charity in honor of Ferdinand Dominic Tedesco. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston