Ted Venetoulis, a former Baltimore County Executive and gubernatorial candidate who later became the publisher of several news publications and appeared as a television commentator and analyst, died Wednesday at 87 years old.
Venetoulis, who served one term as county executive from 1974 to 1978, led Baltimore County reform efforts following the corruption scandals of two of his predecessors.
After his term in county government, during which he earned the sobriquet “TV Teddy” for a willingness to appear on camera, Venetoulis set his sights on the Maryland governor’s seat. He lost the Democratic nomination in 1978 to Harry Hughes.
Venetoulis went on to own the Times Publishing Group, at one time the publisher of the Towson Times and other weekly newspapers.
He also frequently appeared on WBAL TV as a commentator and political analyst.
Venetoulis worked with the Abell Foundation in the late 2000s on an unsuccessful attempt to purchase The Baltimore Sun. He was a supporter of more recent efforts to restore the newspaper to local ownership, including an unsuccessful bid by Maryland hotel executive Stewart Bainum Jr.
Following news that Venetoulis had passed away, elected officials and community members across Maryland paid tribute to him on social media.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said that the county is “a far better place today thanks to his many years of service.”
Baltimore County is a far better place today thanks to his many years of service. My prayers and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this trying time.
— County Executive Johnny Olszewski (@BaltCoExec) October 7, 2021
Baltimore County Council Chairman Julian E. Jones Jr. called Venetoulis a “genuine, nice fellow who truly cared deeply about Baltimore County and its betterment.”
I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of former County Executive Ted Venetoulis during this difficult time. Ted was a genuine, nice fellow who truly cared deeply about Baltimore County and its betterment. pic.twitter.com/e7MIzJ0oKL
— Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr (@julianejonesjr) October 7, 2021
Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka said Venetoulis was “devoted to making our county, region and state a better place for all.”
I was saddened to learn of the passing of former @BaltCoGov Executive Ted Venetoulis. A smart and dedicated public servant, Ted was devoted to making our county, region and state a better place for all. He was a change agent and will be sorely missed. https://t.co/R07JitJ2DA
— Izzy Patoka (@CouncilmanIzzy) October 7, 2021
Former County executive Don Mohler described Venetoulis as a “special mentor to so many.”
Ted Venetoulis was a special mentor to so many. I am heartbroken at his passing, and will forever be thankful for his friendship and guidance.
— Don Mohler (@dmohler5) October 7, 2021
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said Venetoulis’ “passion and service to Baltimore were unmatched.”
I’m saddened by the passing of Former Baltimore County Exec Ted Venetoulis. Ted’s passion and service to Baltimore were unmatched, and I’m grateful to have known him personally.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) October 7, 2021
Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones remembered Venetoulis reforming Baltimore County government to make it more transparent and inclusive, even “when it wasn’t always popular to do so.”
“He never stopped serving the county or its residents,” Jones said. “the entire region has lost one of its best advocates and so many of us have lost a dear friend.”
He never stopped serving the county or its residents. The entire region has lost one of its best advocates and so many of us have lost a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
— Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (@SpeakerAJones) October 7, 2021
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson described Venetoulis as “a true confidant who offered invaluable advice” and “a resolute supporter of the decades of progress made in Baltimore and our State.”
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Baltimore County Executive Theodore G. “Ted” Venetoulis today.
Ted was a long-time county resident, but more recently an active constituent of my district, the 46th District. Ted was a true confid… https://t.co/N3EK3R7Hdw pic.twitter.com/UbDAGlUweO
— Bill Ferguson (@SenBillFerg) October 7, 2021
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen said he was inspired by Venetoulis’ “leadership, friendship, passion, & commitment to the common good.”
Ted Venetoulis was a MD gem. He was devoted to our state, Baltimore Co., & his beloved family. Katherine & I were inspired by his leadership, friendship, passion, & commitment to the common good. We’ll miss him dearly & our hearts are w/ Lynn & his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/fEWkKfk7oz
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) October 7, 2021
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin called Venetoulis “a committed public servant and a true Renaissance Man.”
Saddened to hear of the passing of County Executive Ted Venetoulis. He was a committed public servant and a true Renaissance Man. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
— Ben Cardin (@BenCardinforMD) October 7, 2021
U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersperger described Venetoulis as a “great advisor and an even better friend.”
Surprised and saddened to hear about the passing of Baltimore County legend Ted Venetoulis – I just talked to him last week. He was a great advisor and an even better friend. He served our country in the Army and our county as its Executive and we are all better for it.
— Dutch Ruppersberger (@Call_Me_Dutch) October 7, 2021
The Save Our Sun group, which campaigned for local ownership of the newspaper, said “Baltimore lost a legend” with Venetoulis’ passing.
They also tweeted a quote from an op-ed that Venetoulis wrote in the Sun: “If a city loses its newspapers, it loses its soul…It’s time to fight to keep our newspaper,” he said.
“If a city loses its newspapers, it loses its soul…It’s time to fight to keep our newspaper,” Venetoulis wrote in a 2020 Sun op-ed. Today, Baltimore lost a legend—thank you Ted. @TedVenetoulishttps://t.co/PSwmBxeP2O
— Save Our Sun (@SaveOurSun) October 7, 2021
WBAL reporter Jayne Miller remembered Venetoulis’ career in television, including two Democratic National Conventions when Venetoulis was a political analyst for the television station.
“He was an excellent communicator and very astute,” Miller said.
Former Baltimore County Exec Ted Venetoulis has died at age 87.
I covered 2 Democratic Conventions with Ted as an analyst.
(1980 NY below)
His nickname “TV Teddy” was earned. He was an excellent communicator..and very astute.
Peace Ted pic.twitter.com/H6OzXZjrGE— Jayne Miller (@jemillerbalt) October 7, 2021
