Jordan Michael Adelson

Jordan Michael Adelson, 55, of Charleston, SC, beloved husband of Caitlin Freeman Adelson, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Jordan was born on December 18, 1969, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Martin and Darlene Adelson. He grew up in Oceanside, NY, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Hobart College, where his gift for storytelling first came into full bloom. Whether sharing childhood memories, tales from college, or daily anecdotes, Jordan had a knack for captivating an audience and making people laugh.

He met the love of his life, Caitlin Freeman, in graduate school at the University of Maryland, where they studied chemistry and he earned a PhD in environmental analytical chemistry. The two were married in 2001 and began their life together in Arlington, VA before settling in Charleston, SC.

A dedicated public servant, Jordan worked for the U.S. Navy for over two decades, most recently as Director of the Navy’s Laboratory Quality and Accreditation Office and Chair of the Department of Defense Environmental Data Quality Workgroup (EDQW). In this role, he led efforts to ensure the integrity of chemical, environmental, and material testing across NAVSEA. Earlier in his career, he worked for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Jordan was a tech enthusiast, always eager to discuss the latest gadgets and advancements, especially when it came to electric vehicles. He prided himself in keeping up with the daily news, avidly listening to NPR and reading the paper. Jordan prioritized holidays with his family and friends, and he loved hosting events in his home. But above all, he was proudest of being a devoted and loving father to his two children.

In addition to his wife Caitlin, Jordan is survived by his daughter, Esther Ruth Adelson, and son, Isaac Reuben Adelson, both of Charleston; his parents, Martin and Darlene Adelson of New York City; his sister, Jessica Adelson Alton (Jeff) of New York City; brothers-in-law Mark Freeman (Kristin) of Allentown, PA and Josh Freeman (Heather) of Durango, CO; nieces Annabelle, Elizabeth, and Talia Alton; Bailey, Zoë, and Kennedy Freeman; nephew Brooks Freeman; and many cherished extended family members.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell Street, Charleston. Private interment will follow at the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Cemetery. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to National Public Radio or Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim.

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