Delegate Ted Sophocleus of Anne Arundel County died on Friday, June 8, in Baltimore.
At the age of 79, Delegate Sophocleus spent nearly half his life in public service. He began his 35-year career as an elected official on the Anne Arundel County Council in 1982, where he served two terms. He was appointed to the House of Delegates by then Governor William Donald Schaefer in 1993, and was elected to his own seat in 1998. Delegate Sophocleus served on the Appropriations Committee and was vice chair of the Health and Social Services Subcommittee. He served as Anne Arundel County delegation chair in 2018, even though his health was declining.
Before becoming one of the longest-serving public officials in Anne Arundel County history, the Delegate was a practicing pharmacist and a store manager for an independent pharmacy. He brought this small-business experience with him to the Appropriations Committee, which oversees taxes and fees. As a delegate, he was also a frequent advocate for the needs of teachers, police, and hospitals.
Delegate Sophocleus was revered and respected by all who had the opportunity to work with him:
Sad to learn of the passing of Del. Ted Sophocleus. We’ve been friendly since I first got into politics. He was just a decent human being and family man — always true to his word. He was respected on both sides of the aisle and I am really going to miss him.
— Dutch Ruppersberger (@Call_Me_Dutch) June 11, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Delegate Ted Sophocleus, who served the people of Anne Arundel County for over three decades in various positions. Our prayers go to his family, his loved ones, and the members of General Assembly. https://t.co/JDIR60Keux
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) June 9, 2018
Ted Sophocleus was one of the finest people I’ve met in public office. He was honest, true to himself and his constituents, and loved his family dearly. He never wore his party on his sleeve and often in a grandfatherly way gave me good advice, I’ll miss him dearly. https://t.co/0Vs3p3RNkb
— Nic Kipke (@Kipke) June 9, 2018
“He loved helping people — that was his life.” We honor the memory of Del. Ted Sophocleus and send our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. We are grateful for the purpose in his public service. https://t.co/J7tgtb77b9
— Catholic Charities (@CC_MD) June 9, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family of Theodore (Ted) Sophocleus on his sudden passing today. Ted dedicated many years of service representing the people of Anne Arundel County. I personally appreciated the kind words he offered to me at several events we both attended.
— Mike Rogers (@MikeJRogers4) June 9, 2018
The family will receive visitors at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Ave. SW (at Crain Hwy) on Wednesday, June 13, from 4 pm – 8 pm and Thursday, June 14, from 2 pm – 4 pm and 7 pm – 9 pm, a Trisagion Service will be held at 7:30 pm. Delegate Sophocleus will Lie-in-State at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201, on Friday from 10:30 am – 11 am, at which time the funeral service will begin. Interment will be at the Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Woodlawn.
Memorial donations can be made to Opportunity Builders Inc. (OBI), 8855 Veterans Hwy., Millersville, MD 21108.
