Introduction
Mr. Szilva has assisted in creating several corporations (see profile list). Through his involvement in several multi-million dollar business ventures Mr. Szilva has demonstrated skill and competence in management.
Family
Born in Sudbury Ontario Canada on December 11, 1934 to Samuel and Elizabeth (nee Molnar) Szilva. He married Catherine Elizabeth (Betty) Marshall on July 4, 1959. Together they had five children: Rosemary Therese (Bruno Lamarzi), Mary Catherine (Jules McNeill), James Christopher (Natalie Cresswell), Melinda Miriam (Jeff Fila), and Elizabeth Margaret Anne (Christopher McKee).
Career and Business
Church Involvement
Community Boards
Clubs, Fraternities, and Service Organizations
Decorations and Awards
Conclusion
As the developer of the Big Nickel, Ted has been featured in numerous national and international books and periodicals. He also appeared in the 1995 to 1999 edition of Who’s Who in Ontario – the “biographical record of the men and women of our time”. He is also appears in the Canadian Who's Who listing. One of Ted’s major strengths was his ability to raise funds for charitable causes. Over the course of his career he helped raise over thirty-five million dollars for close to two hundred charities. Included among the organizations for which Ted raised money were the Catholic Schools run by the Sisters of Charity, Jesuit Fathers, Sisters of St. Joseph, Basilian Fathers, and the Resurrectionist Fathers in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. He also helped achieve funding for the Separate School System, grades 9 to 12. Ted remains a community activist, volunteering his time and efforts to various worthwhile social projects and causes. For more information, email Ted Szilva.
Mr. Szilva has assisted in creating several corporations (see profile list). Through his involvement in several multi-million dollar business ventures Mr. Szilva has demonstrated skill and competence in management.
Family
Born in Sudbury Ontario Canada on December 11, 1934 to Samuel and Elizabeth (nee Molnar) Szilva. He married Catherine Elizabeth (Betty) Marshall on July 4, 1959. Together they had five children: Rosemary Therese (Bruno Lamarzi), Mary Catherine (Jules McNeill), James Christopher (Natalie Cresswell), Melinda Miriam (Jeff Fila), and Elizabeth Margaret Anne (Christopher McKee).
Career and Business
- Padre Of The International Association of Professional Firefighters Local 527 Sudbury, 2006 to present.
- Chaplain of The City Of Greater Sudbury, Fire Services, 2006 to present.
- Retired from business 2008
- President of 1124858 Ontario Ltd (a.k.a. D-Best Products) in Sudbury from 2001 to 2005
- President of 1124858 Ontario Ltd (formerly TAS Sales) in Sudbury 1995 to 2001
- Treasurer with Bishop Alexander Carter Charitable Fund in North Bay, Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie in Sudbury from 1981 to 2001
- President and Chairman of the Board of Nickel Printing in Sudbury from 1978 to 1989
- Owner/Operator of the Grand Theatre Centre from 1986 to 1988
- President and Chairman of the Board of T and B Distributors from 1971 to 1985
- Treasurer and General Manager Pot’O’Gold Lottery (Ontario) from 1980 to 1984
- Originator/Developer/Owner of the Big Nickel and Big Nickel Mine in Sudbury from 1963 to 1980
- Professional Firefighter for the Corporation of the City of Sudbury from 1961 to 1968
- Senior Constable for Canadian Pacific Investigation Department in Eastern Canada (Montreal Quebec, St. John N.B. and Sudbury Ontario) from 1955 to 1961
Church Involvement
- Member of the Funeral committee, St. Patrick’s Church from 2001 to Present
- President and Chairman of Sudbury Counselling Centre, Sudbury from 1994 to 1998
- Development Coordinator with Canada Jesuit Missionaries in Espanola from 1992 to 1997
- Coordinator of the Bishop Alexander Carter Memoirs, 1994
- Development Coordinator with Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Ottawa from 1988 to 1990
- Administrator/Board Member with Galilee Community in Arnprior in 1990
- Was an active member of various church organizations such as: CYO, Legion of Mary, Altar Boys Society, and Parish Council, 1942 to1988
- Member of Catholic Centre Board and Catholic Family Life Board, Sudbury
- Co-facilitated marriage preparation courses at various parishes and at the University of Sudbury for over 25 years
- President of Our Lady of Sudbury Charities from 1960 to 1985
- Was instrumental in helping to establish the Soup Kitchen and L’arche community in Sudbury 1981 to1984
- General Chairman for 60th Anniversary Celebrations for Christ the King Church –1977
- First Coordinator for Cursillo Movement in Sudbury from 1970 to 1975
- First Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist mandated at Christ the King Church and the Sudbury General Hospital, 1975
Community Boards
- President of Childhood Enfance Sudbury (Children's Breakfast Program)
- Chaplain of the War Pensioners of Canada - Fred Vincent Branch Sudbury
- Founding President Of Blue Door Soup Kitchen to present 2008
- President of Bingo One Association (of over 200 charitable organizations) in Sudbury from 1994 to 1999
- Special Advisor to the President Jacques Monet of University of Sudbury from 1993 to 1999
- Trustee of Board Directors, Chair of the fundraising/public relations, pastoral care and moral and ethics committees for the Sudbury General Hospital from 1974 to 1988
- Committee Chairman for Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce from 1963 to 1982
- Director for Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce from 1963 to 1973
Clubs, Fraternities, and Service Organizations
- Federation of Fire Chaplains. Present
- Life Member of Canadian and American Numismatic Association
- Member, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks. 1950-1955
- Member, Knights of Columbus. Life Member
- Liberal Party of Sudbury (provincial and federal) - served as a strategist, fundraiser, PR representative, campaign chairman for many candidates
- Hungarian Cultural Society
- Board Member of Rainbow Country Travel Association, Ontario
- Board Member of the Sudbury Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Professional Firefighters Association (international, provincial, and local chapters)
Decorations and Awards
- Honourary Doctorate of Laws at Laurentian University Sudbury June 3, 2010.
- Awarded Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II June 18, 2012.
- Awarded The Order of Ontario. January 22, 2009. Here is the citation read for Szilva at the ceremony:
- Ted Szilva originated and developed The Big Nickel Monument and Underground Mine in Sudbury. Forty-four years later, this giant landmark and mining showcase continues to be a world class tourist attraction and symbol of Sudbury's heritage and wealth. Mr. Szilva's contributions as an entrepreneur have been vital to the growth and diversification of the local economy. His contributions as a community leader have been equally significant. Mr. Szilva has served on numerous boards and is an activist and advocate for the disabled and marginalized. A dedicated volunteer and fundraiser, he has helped to raise more than $35 million for over 200 charities. He is also the Chaplain of the City Of Greater Sudbury Fire Services. A recipient of many awards, which include the Governor General's Medal and the Diocesan Order of Merit, Mr. Szilva is known as a man of ideas, integrity and action."
- University of Sudbury Award for 20 years of Significant Contributions to Carter Fund and community activism, 1999
- Governor General’s Award – 125th Anniversary Medal - for outstanding contributions to community life
- Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie (appreciation for outstanding work)
- L’arche in Sudbury (appreciation award and tree planted at Galilee House in honour of Ted Szilva)
- John Howard Society of Sudbury (appreciation award)
- Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, Order Of Merit, gold medal recipient ,1988 for outstanding contributions to the Diocese
- Two commendations for actions above and beyond the call of duty – CPR police April 3rd.1957 and June 20th.1958
- King Scout – Boy Scouts, 1949
- The Ted Szilva Special Needs and Entrance Bursary – Cambrian College, Sudbury, Ontario - Available to a student with a documented disability, who is entering the first year of a full-time post-secondary program, at Cambrian College.
- Hubby Award - May 7, 2014 - Jim and Ted Szilva for community activism
Conclusion
As the developer of the Big Nickel, Ted has been featured in numerous national and international books and periodicals. He also appeared in the 1995 to 1999 edition of Who’s Who in Ontario – the “biographical record of the men and women of our time”. He is also appears in the Canadian Who's Who listing. One of Ted’s major strengths was his ability to raise funds for charitable causes. Over the course of his career he helped raise over thirty-five million dollars for close to two hundred charities. Included among the organizations for which Ted raised money were the Catholic Schools run by the Sisters of Charity, Jesuit Fathers, Sisters of St. Joseph, Basilian Fathers, and the Resurrectionist Fathers in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. He also helped achieve funding for the Separate School System, grades 9 to 12. Ted remains a community activist, volunteering his time and efforts to various worthwhile social projects and causes. For more information, email Ted Szilva.
