Theodore Albert Soderlund

Theodore “Ted” Albert Soderlund died on July 14, 2026. He was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on May 16, 1942, the third of four boys born to the late Oscar and Vera Soderlund. His brothers would all grow to heights above six feet. Maxing out at 5’ 9” Ted often joked that he blamed his smaller stature on the fact that he was born during the war when there were a lot of shortages.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Susan Slattery Soderlund; daughter Janice (John Whitford); son Eric (Lisa Soderlund), 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Kenneth Oscar. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald Alfred and David Arthur.

Upon graduating from Dunellen High School in 1959, Ted enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably for four years, learning Morse Code and earning both a Pistol Marksman Badge and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

In 1965, Ted began a career in the rare-gas business that would span six full decades, the last four of which found him running Nova Gas Technologies, headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, which provides gases for excimer lasers used in semiconductor manufacturing and medical applications around the world. The company was his pride and joy.

Throughout his life, hand in hand with his wife to whom he was ardently devoted, Ted was involved in many community and charitable endeavors. As a young man he was a member of the Jaycees and was a church deacon. He also volunteered for several political campaigns in the 1970s and 80s.

In middle age he was active in Rotary International. Over the last quarter century, Ted (along with Sue) donated substantial time and money to Charleston Stage, Charleston Jazz Academy, and Spoleto Festival USA.

Ted was an avid reader with a masterful memory and was an autodidact in numerous fields of study. He particularly enjoyed science fiction. He also loved traveling the world with his wife, children, and grandchildren, having visited over 23 countries.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday July 21, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Chapel 232 Calhoun Street Charleston, SC. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday July 22, 2026. 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

In honor and recognition of Ted’s famed sartorial splendor, the family invites those attending the service to feel free to wear colorful attire. Bow ties are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Charleston Jazz to support the Charleston Jazz Academy and its education outreach programs. Gifts can be made online here, by mail to 3005 W Montague Ave, Suite 200, N. Charleston, SC 29418, or by DAF, EIN: 83-0504523.