Obituary of Theodore A. Makoske

Theodore Andrew "Ted" Makoske, aged 86, of Vestal, New York, peacefully passed away on September 2, 2024. Ted was born on March 6, 1938, in Amityville, New York. He graduated from Mepham High School. Ted proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, receiving an honorable discharge in 1959 as a Corporal (E4). During his service, he honed his skills as an auto mechanic and machinist, trades that would serve him well throughout his life. Ted graduated from SUNY Oswego in 1963 and later furthered his studies to complete his teacher licensing. Ted loved working with youth, he had been a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster and had a career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Union Endicott High School, and later Broome-Tioga BOCES. He often completed the impressive feat of placing his entire senior class into machine shop internships. In the summers, he supplemented his teaching income by working on premium homes in the area as a cabinetmaker. Ted later designed and built a home addition and custom cabinets that remain in his home today. Ted was a passionate cyclist from an early age and proudly raced his European cycling machines. This passion for cycling resulted in Ted, alongside his wife Janice, founding Ted's Bicycle Shop in their home basement in 1969 before relocating to downtown Vestal in 1972. This beloved small business grew into a regional fixture known for quality, service, and expertise which they operated for 36 years. He and Jan were also among the four founders of the Southern Tier Bicycle Club, established in 1969, where Ted also coached the racing team. A man of many talents, Ted shared a deep love for target shooting, motorcycling, sailing on New York's Finger Lakes, and classic cars. His inventive spirit shone through in his machinist work, where he retrofitted bicycles to make the sport accessible to differently abled riders. He innovated designs, such as custom bicycle racks and cut-out bicycle seats that would inspire mass-produced versions. Ted's abilities to work with his hands extended into artistry, learning and applying calligraphy, and custom-painting cars and bicycle frames. His mechanical expertise was legendary - he repaired and even built his own vehicles - and passed that knowledge on to his children and grandchildren. A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a former officer of the Binghamton Rifle Club, Ted's presence was felt in many circles. Ted was known for his integrity, grit, and friendly willingness to swap stories. He set lofty expectations for himself and others, consistently achieving them with unwavering dedication. Ted is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janice Makoske; their children, Dan Makoske (partner Ute Nestler) of Plano, TX, Rod Makoske (daughter-in-law Karen Makoske) of Boyds, MD, Doreen Harris (son-in-law William Harris), of Fairplay, CO and grandsons Jacob Harris, Sullivan Harris, and Colby Makoske. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main St, Vestal, NY. A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Vestal Hills Memorial Park, 3997 Vestal Rd, Vestal, NY.