Teddy may never shy away from a microphone but he doesn’t exactly love attention or the spotlight. Well too bad, Teddy, because today you’re getting both. I’ve been waiting for this moment for over two years now. Back at the Salvation Army Christmas Castle Breakfast, Teddy decided to roast me by saying, “1983 was a big year for the City of Lowell — the Rourke Bridge was built and Danielle McFadden was born. Now one is in need of major reconstruction and the other connects the Highlands to Pawtucketville.”

Well, Teddy… Happy 60th Birthday — and here’s your payback delivered in true Inside Lowell fashion.

Teddy and I met through 980 WCAP nearly 20 years ago and it’s been so much fun watching him build Inside Lowell into what it is today. We don’t always agree (and that’s putting it mildly!) but we always manage to find plenty of reasons to laugh. Over time we’ve built a friendship rooted in honesty, respect and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

So when I had the chance to tell all of Inside Lowell’s viewers and listeners that Teddy is officially hitting the big 6-0, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I immediately reached out to his insiders and contributors because what better way to celebrate Teddy than by letting the people who know him best share what makes him so special?

And of course we’re all thrilled to wish him a Happy 60th Birthday and to thank him for creating this incredible outlet where our community can share news, information and yes — have plenty of fun along the way. Inside Lowell wouldn’t be Inside Lowell without him.

We’ll kick things off with a message from the person who knows him best — his wife, Rylee.

Happy 60th Birthday to my oldest best friend and my greatest love! The kids and I are proud and grateful to have you as ours. Here’s to many more happy and healthy years together as a family.
– Love, Your wife, Rylee

Happy Birthday Teddy! Thankfully I never received the infamous “Panos Bump” that killed the political careers of so many promising candidates.
— Gerry Nutter (Nutter’s Sunday Notes)

Happy Birthday Teddy!!! Welcome to the 60’s. I’m looking for a book for you called So You Want to Own a Hotel.
— Greg Pappas

Happy Birthday Grandpa! We worship you!
— The Lin(d)seys

Teddy possesses a unique “superhero power” as Contrarian Man always ready to vigorously argue the opposite side of any viewpoint with selectively gathered information. He also answers to Captain Climate Denier, steadfast in his ability to dismiss the consensus of 100,000 scientists in favor of the one outlier who fits his skepticism. His unofficial warning label reads: May cause you to rethink things you always believed.

If there’s one word to describe Teddy it’s devoted. He has spent his entire life working in his family business while simultaneously pursuing his passion for media and finding a way to monetize that passion without compromising his commitment to his family’s legacy. His work on the Hotel Project reflects both a tribute to his parents and an investment in his own family’s future. Though he’ll miss a Thursday date night to help his kids with homework he always makes time for Sunday family days. Teddy has given opportunities to every half-baked wackadoo misfit who needed a job, forming lasting friendships with customers and colleagues alike. Nonjudgmental and open to any idea (except climate change) he treats everyone with respect. His dedication to his family, friends and community anchors everything he does.
— Bach (Pod Squad and Power Hour)

Happy Birthday Teddy! I appreciate times like the one depicted in this screencap, where you are exhausting me with your aggressive hand gestures (and I am Italian!). Your warning label would include: Only engage in animated political conversations at an appropriate social distance! Enjoy every minute of your day and the year ahead.

— Jomarie Buckley

Happy Birthday Teddy! Questionable superpower: Can slip a right-wing talking point into any casual conversation.
— Ryan Gilday (The Lowell Citizen)

My favorite moments are just Teddy being Teddy. Getting to know him through Inside Lowell was a blast and he gave me the courage to do my Tee Time podcast. He also says I make his life easier by doing podcasts with local organizations since he doesn’t always have the time or availability. He’s a great guy and I’m his adopted Greek niece. Hahaha!
— Tenesha Scarlett (Tee Time)

Happy Birthday Teddy, and thank you for convincing me to come on your show so many years ago. One of my funniest Teddy memories goes all the way back to Dracut High. Everyone was wondering if he was really going to bring his 21-year-old girlfriend to the junior prom when he was only 17. I just wanted to know if she could buy us beer.
— Ray Boutin (Real Estate Ray Boutin)

I’d absolutely love to be a part of this! “How do I count the ways?” LOL.

My favorite story has to be the time I accidentally left my gun on the desk at the old WCAP while I ran to the ladies’ room… and who should walk in for her interview but Eileen Donoghue.

Faces were made. Looks were exchanged. Without Panos there would be no Bodes — and he loves this story. The original way I described it still makes me laugh: “Looks were exchanged…” without a single word. I think I actually bowed to her in regret. Honestly I could have crawled into a hole. A bullet hole even.

And then — because the universe has a sense of humor — I had to sit next to her, the City Manager, for an entire half hour… sweating and squirming the whole time.
— Leslie Bodor

We’ve shared our stories — now it’s your turn. Teddy’s turning 60 and this celebration isn’t complete without the voices of the people he’s informed, entertained, annoyed, inspired or argued with over the years.

Drop your birthday wishes in the comments and help us make this the biggest loudest most Inside Lowell-style celebration yet.