Ellsworth Theodore Task

Ted Task, 91, formerly of Rockville, MD passed away on June 28 at his home in West Palm Beach. Predeceased by his wife Anita, he is survived by his brother Harold and "the kids" - Evie Task, Aaron Task, and Francine Oliver. Poppop to Brooke, Aaron,  Davida, Abraham, Zevin, and Clementine and Uncle Ted to Rob, Michael, Brian, Alexandra and Spencer; family was his pride and joy.

Ted had a wonderful sense of humor and was happy to direct you to the best dish on a menu or the best wine or spirit available - whether he knew you or not. A longtime member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in NJ and MD and a certified member of the Society of Wine Educators, he also served as a Freemason, as did his father. Ted was an instructor at L'Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda and Gaithersburg for many years, where he imparted his knowledge of food and wine pairing to the culinary students and those taking recreational classes. He was often called upon to conduct wine tastings for various non-profit organizations, including the Friends of the Mandel Free Library and Rutgers School of Law-Newark. In 2005, Ted donated his collection of vintage wine books, which he formally titled "A Wine Guy's Personal Wine Library," to the Rutgers University Libraries in honor of Evie and Aaron, who are both RU graduates.  

An Army veteran of the Korean War, he will be interred at the Baltimore National Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Hadassah, the Asbury Park Music Foundation, or a charity of your choosing.