Obituary of Edward Warren Poitras

Edward Warren "Ted" Poitras, 81, Central Florida businessman and philanthropist passed away early Saturday, December 30th, 2017 at his home in Haines City. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Dorothy (Willard) Poitras, and his grandson Connor Caracappa. Mr. Poitras was born in New York City on June 11, 1936. He spent his childhood in Holliston, Massachusetts and graduated from Brown University, Providence RI in 1958. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army While at Brown Mr. Poitras worked at WBRU, one of the oldest college radio stations in the world. He also put his considerable musical talents to work singing in both the Men's Glee Club and the University Chapel Choir. Following his graduation from Brown he worked as a radio broadcaster in Binghamton N.Y. Years later, his deep bass voice was invaluable as a member of The Bach Festival Choir of Winter Park, Florida. Mr. Poitras moved to Winter Haven, FL in 1962 to manage Poitras Groves. In addition to his work in the citrus industry he was a generous philanthropist with a deep passion for both church and community. His heartfelt commitment to support those in need was a driving force in his life. He and Kay, his wife, were active members of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Auburndale for nearly 50 years. He served as director of the choir for over 20 years and sat on the vestry Multiple times. At the time of his death he was serving, as he had for 40 years, as an officer and treasurer of Faith Alive! A Witnessing Fellowship, dedicated to building up The Body of Christ in the Episcopal Church. Tom Reilly, president of Faith Alive said "Ted was a powerful prayer warrior. He had such strength for so many, he leaves a big hole that can't be filled." Mr. Poitras is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kay Gleim Poitras and his daughters, Julie (Peter) Fleps of Evanston, IL; Jill (Bruce) Freeman of Durham, NC; Jennifer (Glenn) Caracappa of Atlanta, GA; six grandchildren; Jordan and Gus Fleps; Jack, Kane, and Sloane Freeman; and Kate Caracappa; his brother and sister-in-law James and Patricia, and nieces Christine, Laura, and Jennifer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Anchor House Ministries, a group home for boys (ages 10-17) and transitional housing for young men (ages 18-21) who have aged out of the foster care system. Anchor House has been faithfully serving the Central Florida community since 1974. Donations may be made at www.anchor-house.org or to: Anchor House Ministries 3000 K-Ville Avenue Auburndale, FL 33823