Theodore C. “Ted” Fonda Jr. of Downsville, a retired detective sergeant with the New York City Police Department and a longtime area resident died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Delhi. He was 83.
The son of the late Theodore C. and Pauline Moszumanski Fonda, he was born March 14, 1939 in Brooklyn.
Ted married the love of his life, Marlene M. Lower Fonda in 1960. He joined the New York City Police Department in 1963 where he helped form the tactical patrol force shortly thereafter. In 1972 he was promoted to sergeant and moved to the detective department where he was promoted to detective sergeant and commanded a homicide squad that covered Manhattan, and parts of Queens, when requested. He was commander of the 103 Precinct that drove motorcycles for parades, supervised escorts for fallen offices, escorts for the mayor, governor and other dignitaries.
In June of 1986 he moved his family to Downsville where he founded Fonda Enterprises and was the owner of Fonda Modular Homes; later he worked as a private investigator. He was elected and served as a town of Colchester judge for 21 years. An active member of the community, Ted was a member of the Colchester Community Church where he served on the church board, a member of the Colchester Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Colchester Lions and served as the president for several years, a former member of the Downsville Fire EMS, a member of the Bocci Club, a member of the Delaware County Republican Party, a member and past president of the Delaware County Magistrates Assoc., and a member of the Delaware County Shields.
He was so proud to have had the opportunity to have his handcuffs used on the ”Son of Sam,” and upon his retirement, gave those handcuffs to his son-in-law, Brian Murphy.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Marlene M. Lower Fonda, at home; one daughter, DeEtta Murphy and her husband Brian of Downsville; two grandsons, Christopher Murphy of Walton and Keith Murphy of Downsville.
Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 28, from 4-7 p.m. in the Harris Funeral Home Railroad Ave., Roscoe. The Downsville Volunteer Fire Department will conduct services at 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. in the Colchester Community Church, Downsville. The Rev. Christine Lindeberg will officiate.
Burial will be in the Paige Cemetery, Downsville.
Memorial contributions in Ted’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe; 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200; www.Harris-FH.com.
