Dr. C. Theodore “Ted” Blaisdell, of New Tripoli, died April 3, 2020, at home on his beloved hilltop with loved ones nearby.

He will be missed by many.

Born Aug. 16, 1930, in Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, he was the son of the late Colborn E. and Elsie (Fried) Blaisdell.

A graduate of Allentown High School and Lehigh University, he served in the Field Toxicology Branch of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

After his service, he attended the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, graduating in 1959.

He continued at the university as an intern and then completed his anesthesia residency there.

In 1962, he returned to Allentown as the first board certified anesthesiologist at Sacred Heart Hospital, where he became director of anesthesia for many years.

He was one of the first board certified anesthesiologists in the Lehigh Valley on staff at all the local hospitals.

He served on the committee to plan and build the Allentown/Sacred Heart Hospital Center (ASH), which became Lehigh Valley Health Network.

A member of both the American Board of Anesthesiology and the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists, he frequently served as an examiner for the American Anesthesia Boards.

An active lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown, he taught Sunday School there for many years.

A member of the Allentown Rotary Club for more than 20 years, he and his family hosted more than 100 exchange participants from all over the world.

He enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, and a true lifelong learner.

A true Renaissance man, he loved country auctions, hunting and working in the woods.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Wilkins) Blaisdell, and his children Theodore Blaisdell and wife, Kathy, of South Hadley, Mass., Timothy Blaisdell of Winterthur, Switzerland, Thomas Blaisdell and wife, Sheri, of Los Altos, Calif., Susan Blaisdell of Tucson, Ariz., and Torrance Blaisdell and wife, Gayla, of Ellensburg, Wash.; and eight grandchildren.

He is also survived by his companion and life partner of 35 years Cheryl Bowman.

As he requested his body was donated to his medical school.

A memorial service for family and friends will be planned at a later date.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Perelman Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Arrangements made by Keller Funeral Home, Fogelsville.