Obituary of Theodore Besanceney

Theodore "Ted" Besanceney, age 96, Mansfield, PA, diedWednesday, March 26, 2008. Ted was born February 27, 1912, in Blossburg, PA, son of Charles Wesley and Myrtie (Hart) Besanceney. He was the husband of the late Erdene (Inscho) Besanceney. In his youth he assisted on the family farm and worked in the Rattler Mine in Morris. He played football, basketball and baseball at Mansfield High School and went on to play varsity football, baseball, basketball and wrestled at Mansfield State Teacher's College where he graduated in 1933 with a BS in Math and Science. He also received his Masters in Education from Bucknell University and completed graduate courses at Duke University. Ted was a dedicated educator and coach for 40 years. From 1933 - 1935 he taught in a one room schoolhouse at State Road and from 1935 - 1938 he taught math and coached at Camptown. From 1938 - 1945 he was the principal in Genesee, PA, where he also started the volunteer fire department. Beginning in 1945, he was assistant principal, teacher and coach at Mansfield High School and from 1955 - 1973 served as principal at Mansfield High School. Ted also coached basketball for a year at Mansfield State College. He had been an active member of the Mansfield Lion's Club and the Tioga County Conservation District where he also served as Chairman. He acted as a Richmond Township Supervisor and was President of the State Board of Township Supervisors. He also served in the National Guard. Ted is survived by a son, James Besanceney of Princeton, NJ; a daughter, Judith "Judie" Besanceney of Osceola, PA; six grandchildren, Heather Weiner, Holly Baudler, Eric Pletter, Jennifer Tham, Melissa Weglein, and Dani Pletter, 13 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Erdene; 4 brothers, Lee, Walter, Ellery and Elvin. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 27, 2008 from 6 to 9 PM, and on Friday, March 28, 2008 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. Funeral services will be held immediately following the viewing on Friday, March 28, 2008 at 1 PM with the Rev. Kevin Brophy officiating. Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery, Mansfield, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Theodore Besanceney, to the Mansfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o First Citizens National Bank, 15 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com.