HORNELL – Theodore “Ted” Harold Egger, 78, of Hornell, NY passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday (April 21, 2026), surrounded by his wife and children.
Born on July 23, 1947, in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late Theodore Charles Egger and Helen Scott Overton. Ted lived a life defined by service, devotion to family, and an unwavering commitment to youth sports. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Overton. Ted was a dedicated family man, lifelong sports enthusiast, and beloved member of the Hornell community.
A native of Corning, NY, Ted graduated from Corning West High School. His accomplishments later led to his induction into the Corning Sports Hall of Fame. He continued his education at Miami Dade College and Baylor University. Ted was a decorated United State Marine and Vietnam veteran, serving two tours as a crew chief and gunner. He held the rank of E-4 Corporal and was awarded 13 Air Medals along with his flight wings for his service.
He worked for the Delaware & Hudson Railroad as a conductor and for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad as a trainman. He enjoyed golfing, watching the Buffalo Bills and watching his grandkids excel in their sports.
In 1974, Ted made Hornell his home, where he met and married the love of his life, Susan Peroginelli, in 1976. Together they built a beautiful life and raised six children. He was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Ted’s passion for youth and sports shaped much of his life. He devoted over two decades to coaching and mentoring young athletes. He began with the Maple City Softball League, where he served as a coach, umpire, Vice President and eventually President. He also coached YMCA girls’ and boys’ basketball, Little League baseball, and spent 14 years coaching Hornell Youth Football. Wrestling remained close to his heart, and he could often be found supporting youth wrestling tournaments. Beyond athletics, Ted was deeply committed to his community. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Church and volunteered at St. Ann’s School. He served on the Board of Directors for Hornell Campfire. His dedication to youth and community earned him the honor of being named the Hornell Knights of Columbus Sportsman of the Year in 2005. Ted will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and his unwavering support for his family and community.
Ted is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan Peroginelli Egger; children Sarah Becher (Joe) of Ferdinand, IN, Ted Egger (Sarah) of Angola, NY, Julie Stuart (David) of Hornell, NY, Brian Egger of Charlotte, NC, Eric Egger of Hornell, NY and Matthew Shannon of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Cody (Tina), Riley, Aleah, Maddie, Dylan, Collin, Sadie, TJ & Christian.
Great-grandchildren, Dylan, Izzy, Jonah and Scarlette. Siblings, Larry David Egger (Janet), Karen Overton Mix (Walter) and sister-in-law, Ella Overton. As well as several nieces and nephews.
To his family, he was everything-a husband, a father, a grandfather, a protector and a constant source of strength. He gave his time, his energy and his whole heart to those he loved, never asking for anything in return. The world feels quieter without him, and there is a space in our lives that can never be filled. But the love he built-the love he was-will carry on in each of us. We will hear him in our laughter, feel him in our strength and see him in the way we show up for one another. His legacy will continue to guide us, steady us and remind us of what truly matters.
There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. TUESDAY (April 28, 2026). Interment, with full military honors, will take place at 1 p.m. TUESDAY at Bath National Cemetery. Following the services at the cemetery everyone is invited to a Celebration of Ted’s life beginning at 2 p.m. at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in Ted’s memory to Hornell Youth Football (please make checks payable to HYFL), P.O. Box 66, Hornell or to Maple City Softball, 11 Adsit St., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Ted’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Ted are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
