Theodore E. Banach

Theodore E. Banach of Colonie, passed away on January 5th, 2025 at St. Peter's Hospital. 

Born in Schenectady, New York, he was the youngest son of the late William and Hedwig Banach. He was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School-class of 1964. That fall, he attended Albany Business College. 

In his early years, he worked for the Carl Company and the Schenectady Union Star before joining the United States Army. He enlisted in the Army on April 12, 1967. Mr. Banach saw duty in West Berlin, Germany and served in Chu Lai, Viet Nam with the 23rd Americal Division from November 1968 to November 1969. He was Honorably Discharged from service on November 22, 1969. 

When he returned home from the service, Mr. Banach took a position on May 11, 1970, with the General Electric Company in Schenectady where he enjoyed a career of 41 years, retiring on April 1, 2011. While employed at General Electric, Mr Banach worked as a Security Officer. He served as a Shop Steward and Chief Shop Steward for many years before becoming President of the I.A.G.P.P.E. (GE Guards Union). He held that position of President from February 2000 to January 2011. Serving in the United States Army and being a President of a union, were the great honors of his life. Mr. Banach was a member of the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post 1520, GE Quarter Century Club and Polish American Citizens Club of Albany, N.Y. Mr Banach loved the game of baseball and called it the greatest sport of all. He was a long time Boston Red Sox fan and his lifetime goal was to see every Major League Baseball Stadium. 

To his family and all the friends he met throughout his life, especially one, Ted wanted you to know it was fun. 

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers Ronald and William Banach. 

He is survived by his brother Robert  (Pam) Banach of North Carolina, sister in law Judy Banach of Albany, best friend and caregiver Michael Lanza, niece and godchild Aimee Sheehan of North Carolina, nephews Robert (Liat) Banach Jr of Arizona. and Ronald (Debra) Banach Jr of Amsterdam, niece Kelly Banach of Pennsylvania, as well as many friends. 

A visitation will be held on Monday January 13th from 11am-1230pm with a service to be held at 1230pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd Colonie NY. Interment immediately following in the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.