Rochester, N.Y. – Theodore Glende, a 23-year-old army soldier and Rochester native, was killed in Afghanistan, according to his aunt.
The Department of Defense said Glende died Friday in Kharwar in Logar province. He had been wounded when his unit was attacked with small-arms fire.Glende was part of the First Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
Maryann Glende, Theodore’s aunt, confirms that he was a McQuaid graduate and attended Niagara University, where he was in the ROTC program. His family tells 13WHAM News that Glende always wanted to be in the service.
Maryann also confirms that Theodore had just recently been married to Alexandra Glende. In a statement to 13WHAM News, Glende said "knowing that he ... died a hero is giving us strength at this time. He gave the ultimate sacrifice."
Alexandra Glende says the couple met while working at Wegmans in 2011.
Glende will be buried in Rochester, but final arrangements are still being made.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story)
