Theodore B. Melrath

Theodore "Ted" B. Melrath, 77, of Caln Township, PA, passed away at his home on Monday, January 2, 2023. He was the husband of Judith Hodges Melrath for over 57 years. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late William Melrath and Lorraine Beecher Bair.

Ted was a railroad yard master at Brandywine Valley Railroad in Coatesville for 25 years. He was a member of Skerrett Masonic Lodge #343 of Cochranville, PA. Ted was large in stature but often referred to as a “Teddy Bear” due to his peaceful demeanor and gentle disposition. He loved being on or near the water, either on his boat fishing or by his pool sunbathing with an ice cold PBR. Ted will be remembered as a great man who put his family first, always before himself. His selfless love has made an enormous impact on his family members and will be dearly missed.

Besides his wife he is survived by his grandchildren, Chelsea Melrath (Nick Kunkel) of Coatesville, Ryan Aston (Areanna Bassler) of Downingtown, Jared Aston of Coatesville, Katie (Maddi) Rauscher of Parkesburg, Ian Aston of Coatesville, step-grandson, Bryan Speese of Lancaster, daughter-in-law, Julie Melrath of Quarryville, great- grandchildren, Benji Buckley of Coatesville and Bishop Aston of Downingtown, and a sister, Jackie Milanese of Coatesville. He was preceded in death by his children, Greg Melrath and Audra Aston, a sister, Peg Cramer, and his four-legged best friend, Kato.

A memorial service for Ted is being planned for the spring and details will be posted here upon completion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Domestic Violence Center of Chester County or the Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force.