Pittsford: Age 91, died peacefully on March 22, 2012. He was predeceased by his parents Charles Henry Tuke and Charlotte Truesdale Tuke and by his sister, Elizabeth Tuke Robinson, and his brother, Dr. Charles Truesdale Tuke. He was born and raised in Rochester and always an enthusiastic “booster” of the city.
After his graduation from Duke University in Durham, NC, in 1941, Ted immediately entered the US Navy as a lieutenant. In July, 1943, he survived the sinking of his ship, the USS Helena, at the ferocious battle of Kula Gulf. It was during WWII in Auckland, NZ, that he met his beloved wife of 68 years, Doris Jean Tuke, a Navy nurse, who survives him.
After the war, Ted joined the family insurance business, the Tuke Agency, founded in 1893, and the oldest independent Insurance Agency in Rochester, New York, now run by his eldest son, Thomas G. Tuke, President. His grandson, Ryan Tuke, has also joined the agency in 2004.
Ted took a leadership role in the New York insurance industry serving as President of the Rochester Chapter of CPCU Society as well as president of Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County (IIAMC) from 1959-1960. He was always highly respected by his agent peers as well as the insurance underwriters and staff because of his intelligence, probing mind, and high ethical standards. Always he was committed to providing the best insurance value for his clients. He was one of the first four insurance professionals in Rochester to receive the Chartered Proper Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1955.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Ted was very active at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church where he served several terms on the vestry. Ted will be remembered by his four children and nine grandchildren as a dedicated and loving family man, a wise and savvy businessman, a highly informed citizen, and a humble Christian. His family will also always remember his passion as a baseball fan. He was a great supporter of the Rochester Red Wings having been one of the original Stockholders of Rochester Community Baseball in 1957.
In addition to his wife, his immediate family includes his children: Thomas G. Tuke (Barb); Robert D. Tuke of Nashville (Susan); Suzanne Tuke Walker of Denver (Roger); Kristine Tuke Murray of Rochester (John) and his grandchildren: Ryan Tuke, Andrew C. Tuke, Sarah R. Tuke, Laura Nixon, Holly Walker, Tim Walker, Ian Murray, Leigh Murray, Patrick Murray and a great grandchild, Avery Rose Nixon.
Friends may call Thursday, March 29th, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.). A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 30th, 11:00 AM at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, 2000 Highland Ave., Rochester, NY 14618. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church or the American Red Cross, 50 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607.