Theodore Herschel Saliba

Theodore Herschel Saliba, 92, of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Winter Haven Hospital. Born July 15, 1925 to David and Eva Parker Saliba in Americus, GA he has lived in the area for most of his life. He grew up in Plant City and graduated from Plant City High School. After graduating he went on to join the U.S. Marine Corps and served in WWII fighting in the Philippines as a tail gunner. After the war, Theo came home and went to the University of Florida where he graduated before moving back to central Florida to work as a teacher in Polk County. He stayed with the Polk County School Board for the next 45 years, serving first as a teacher, next as an administrator, then on to School Principal, and finally he was the County Athletic Director. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winter Haven, loved fishing, attending sporting events and watching his Florida Gators play. But his biggest enjoyment came from his two grandson, Matthew and John. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents; and eight siblings. He is survived by: a son David Saliba and his wife Donna of Winter Haven; a brother, Richard Saliba of Plant City, FL; and two grandsons, Matthew and John Saliba. The family will receive friends from 9:00am till 10:00am, Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Santa Fe Catholic High School Baseball Program. Condolences may be sent at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.