Edmund D. Fuller III, 86, better known as “Ted” by his family and friends, was a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island and the former owner of Gregg’s Restaurants and Taverns. Mr. Fuller passed away January 24, 2021, in North Palm Beach, Florida, after a short illness.
Ted will be remembered for his kind heart, love for adventure, his extensive philanthropy, his visionary entrepreneurship and mentor to many. Ted’s adventures began early by earning his pilot’s license before 20 years of age. He was an avid sailor and loved spending time on Narraganset Bay and the waters off Newport with family and friends. Ted also had a love for cars. Ted was the ultimate gentleman, calm and poised, and a true role model for so many. Ted began his career, working for his father, running a small Rhode Island chain, “Donut Kettle.” After Army service and time working for his father and IMAC Food Systems, he opened Ted’s Big Boy Restaurants in 1964. Ted purchased Gregg's in Warwick in 1972 transforming a small local eatery that was in receivership into a Rhode Island institution known for quality food, excellent customer service and amazing desserts. Under Ted’s leadership, Gregg’s one restaurant in Warwick expanded to three additional restaurants across the state and a commissary. Frustrated by the lack in restaurant technology,
Ted and his late brother Bill, created POSitouch, the first of its kind point of sale system featuring a touch
screen. Today, Restaurant Data Concepts, Inc., the company that markets POSitouch, is an
internationally renowned company leading the field in restaurant technology innovation. Ted’s vision was to create a culture of community for the hospitality industry in Rhode Island. In 1988 along with other business owners, Ted re-established the RI Hospitality Association which has served as the voice of the hospitality industry in Rhode Island for the past thirty-two years. Teds influence helped to shape and mold one of the state’s largest industries. His legacy of community and service continues to this day. Ted was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration in Food Service Management
by Johnson & Wales University at the University’s commencement ceremony May 24, 2003.
In 1995, Ted and his wife Kris created the Gregg’s Giving Tree Fund: a holiday tradition that donates Christmas gifts to children, seniors, and other Rhode Islanders in need. Gregg's has continued the Giving Tree Fund tradition yearly touching thousands of Rhode Islander’s lives. A loyal benefactor of Hasbro Children’s Hospital and The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, the Fullers raised funds for these organizations through proceeds from the restaurants' “Giving Cake” sales.
Ted leaves behind his beloved wife, Kristine Kelleher Fuller, his sister, Janice Gaudreau, niece Jennifer (Gaudreau) Kumar and nephew William (Bill) Gaudreau.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 4 th at 10 am in St. Peter’s Church, 350 Fair St., Warwick. Burial will be private. Kindly omit flowers - donations may be made in Ted’s memory to: Loma Linda (LLUH), Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 2000, Loma Linda, CA 9235. For online condolences, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com
