Obituary of Theodore A. “Big Ted” Hermesman Jr.

Theodore A. Hermesman Jr., "Big Ted", passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at his home in Durango, Colorado, at the age of 86.

Ted was born in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 1940, to Theodore A. Hermesman Sr. and Sarah L. Cassidy. He grew up in Ambridge and attended St. Veronica catholic school from kindergarten through high school. After graduation, Ted attended Robert Morris College and focused on business.

Ted met his wife, Bonnie, and they were married on January 5th, 1963, at St. Veronica's church. Together, they raised three children: Theodore A. Hermesman III (Teddy), William Patrick Hermesman (Billy), and Laurie Jeanne Hermesman.

Ted started his career moving from place to place with Montgomery Wards. While working for Wards, Ted was sent to the Durango location in 1969. When it was time to move on from there, he and his family decided they didn’t want to leave the Durango area, so Ted decided to start out on his own. That is when he started Ted’s Rental Center in 1971. From that humble start, Ted continued to tirelessly build what became his “Empire” of family businesses and property.

Ted was known for his impressive work ethic and his ability to take a business or property others doubted and turn it into something of great worth. He loved his work and continued to grow his businesses alongside his sons and grandchildren until his passing. It was his life’s dream, purpose, and passion to build something he could pass on to his family. He achieved that dream, as a third generation now operates his businesses.

Ted is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Bonnie J. Hermesman; his sister, Sally; his two sons, Teddy and Billy; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and countless friends. Ted was preceded in passing by his parents, brother Billy, and daughter Laurie.

A viewing will be held at Hood Mortuary on Monday, November 9th from 4 to 6 pm. His funeral will be held at Sacred Heart church at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, November 10th, followed directly by his burial at Greenmount Cemetery. He will be laid to rest next to his daughter.

If you feel the urge to donate, Ted’s chosen charity is the La Plata County Humane Society. He deeply loved animals and loved seeing them adopted into loving homes.

https://www.lpchumanesociety.org/donate