Terrence Stephen "Steve" Todd

Terrence Stephen Todd, always known as Steve Todd, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in home hospice care, at the age of 82.  Steve was born on August 20, 1940 to Elmer and Catherine Todd in Seattle, Washington, the oldest of 4 children.  The son of a naval aviator, Steve set his sights on the US Naval Academy, and graduated in the class of 1962.  On December 6, 1963. Steve completed flight training and received his wings.

Steve had an illustrious naval career, faithfully serving his country.  Steve piloted S-2 and S-3 jets during the Vietnam War.  After Vietnam, Steve was selected to serve Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, as the Naval Aide to the President.  After the White House, he was back in San Diego, working on his duties as the Executive Officer (XO) of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger, and thereafter as the Commanding Officer (CO) of the USS Tripoli.

Steve's most important assignment, however, was as a military escort to the contestants in the Miss San Diego pageant.  At the Hotel Del Coronado is where Steve met his future wife, Barbara Addkison, as she was a contestant in the pageant.  Barbara didn't take the crown, but she got a much better prize, Steve Todd as her husband for 58 years!  Steve and Barbara had three daughters, Lisa, Laura, and Jennifer.  Steve's naval career led his family across the country more than a few times, and the family permanently settled in San Diego in 1982.

During his tenure as the XO of the USS Ranger, Steve embarked on furthering his education by attending evening classes @National University, earning his 2nd masters degree, in human resources.  He graduated in 1984, as valedictorian of the class.

Steve retired from the Navy in 1992, after 30 yeaers of service.   Not a person to slow down, Stever earned his teaching credential, and taught Social Studies for 6th and 7th graders at Palm Middle School.  Ultimately, for Steve's third career, he transitioned from a Middle Scholl Teacher into the private sector, as the Chief Financial Officer of Knox Attorney Services.  He finally retired (for good), in 2013.

Steve had the personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation, and his laugh was infectious to everyone around him.  A man of many amazing stories, Steve would also keep the attention of the ladies in the room with his leading-man good looks.  Most importantly, Steve knew how to love his friends and family whole-heartedly.  When faced with difficult life choices, Steve let his heart be the final deciding factor.

A mand incredibly secure in his Catholic faith, Steve volunteered and served St. Therese Parsh for many years, as a member of the financial board, and as an usher for weekly masses.  His devotion to his faith was a life-long commitment, and his family is certain of where he is headed now.  A truly selfless man, Steve's passing leaves an unfillable gap in the hearts of those who love him, but we know that he will be waiting for us to join him, should we only be as worthy.

To quote one of Steve's Naval Academy classmates, Joseph John, "Steve was a gentleman with refined manners, punctilious courtesy, the nicest sense of personal honor, and he was charitable toward all.  His passing, as the poets tell us, is a loss to all of mankind.   God Bless Steve and rest his Noble Soul."

Steve is predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Catherine Todd, his youngest daughter, Jennifer Todd Andrew (Russ Gott) and his grandson , Hadley Brown.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara, his daughters, Lisa and Laura (Ed) and his grandchildren, Benjamin Brown, Cameron, Justin and Nicholas Andrew and Maddie and Harry (Candice) Gott.

A viewing will be on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Featheringill Mortuary. Mass service will follow that same day, Monday, April 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Therese Parish, 6400 Saint Therese Way, San Dieo, CA  92120, followed by internment at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:15 pm (please be at cemetery by 1:45 pm for service).