Emil Soderberg Obituary

Montville - Emil Fritz Soderberg, 84, of Oakdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013.

He was born Feb. 3, 1929, in Worcester, Mass., the son of the late Rev. Fritz Soderberg and Olga (Edlén) Soderberg.

He and Millicent Bates were married by his father at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in North Grosvenordale, on Aug. 11, 1951. Millicent passed away in July 2002, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by a loving family of three daughters, Janice Chankar of Norwich, Linda Ali of Rapid City, S.D., Lori Baron of Norwich; six grandchildren, Amy Bellantoni and her husband, Rory, Marwan Chankar, Christopher McFarlane and his wife, Arianne, Jennifer Tacca and her husband, Marco, Kathryn Baron, and Gillian Baron; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Maravalli.

Following graduation from Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Mr. Soderberg enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from December 1947 to December 1951. During the period of the Korean War, he served on the light cruiser USS ROANOKE (CL-145) as part of the Navy Occupation Service in the Mediterranean. He received the Navy Occupation Service Medal - Europe, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he was employed by Raytheon in Waltham, Mass., as a final testman, readying portable radar systems for acceptance by the Army Inspector. Subsequently, he was transferred to Harvey-Wells Electronics in Southbridge as head of the vendor-inspector team for the radar sets. During this time, he attended the University of Connecticut at Storrs, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in physics in June 1957. Later, in 1976, he received a master of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Rhode Island.

In June 1957, he joined the Navy Laboratory in New London (U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory/Naval Underwater Systems Center/Naval Undersea Warfare Center) as a scientist in the Civil Service. He served as project leader for underwater electromagnetics studies of natural and manmade noise in the sea (self-noise of ships and submarines and underwater electromagnetic noise arising from lightning storms and industrial power sources). He also worked with the University of Genoa on joint NASA/Italian Space Agency experiments using the space shuttle Atlantis to make electric and magnetic measurements in the earth's ionosphere. He retired from the Navy Laboratory in 1986 after a 29-year career as an oceanographic physicist/engineer/technician/experimenter, and joined Analysis & Technology in New London, where he worked until his retirement in 1996.

Mr. Soderberg was a member of URSI (International Radio Science Union) Commission E and served as the U.S. National Chairman of the URSI Commission on Electromagnetic Noise and Interference. He was a member of the American Geophysical Union, the American Institute of Physics, the European Geophysical Society, the Society of Geomagnetism and Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences of Japan, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the Antennas and Propogation Society, Oceanic Engineering Society, Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society, Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honor Society, and was also a member of both Mensa and Intertel, serving as area coordinator for Connecticut/Rhode Island Intertel.

At various times, Mr. Soderberg served as chairman of the Conservation Commission of Montville, member of the Advisory Board of the New London County Historical Society, president and area governor of New London Area Toastmasters, member of the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Connecticut Alumni Association of the University of Connecticut, president of the Montville Chapter of the American Field Service (international student exchange program), member of the Board of Directors of the Mystic Art Association, as well as an elected artist member of the Mystic Arts Center. He had been a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in North Grosvenordale, an elder of Faith Lutheran Church in Groton, and was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Norwich. He was a member of the Quaker Hill Rod & Gun Club and a member of the American Legion. He was also an active member of the Eastern Connecticut Traffic Net and the Amateur Radio Services (ARS). His interests included photography, art studies, and oil painting. He treasured time spent with his Courtyard Gallery family and his Out To Lunch Bunch.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at the Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, followed by a memorial service with military honors. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

To leave an online condolence for Emil Soderberg's family, please visit his memorial at www.churchandallen.com.

Published by The Day on Feb. 25, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Emil Soderberg

Sponsored by Linda.

Not sure what to say?





Five years have passed and I still love and miss you as much as ever.
Me

February 23, 2018

Dad........It's been over three years and I want to thank you for the guidance that you still provide. I love you very much
J.......

March 31, 2016

Still missing you so very much..
Me

June 13, 2015

Two years...time doesn't diminish the void...still hear your voice and see your smile and miss you so very much. I love you Pop.

Lori

February 23, 2015

I love you grandpa and I hope you had a very good burial ty ricard

December 1, 2014

Never stop missing you..
Me

June 25, 2014

Think of your Dad and you all often, may time heal the hurt. In my thoughts and prayers.

M Pasquale

February 24, 2014

02/23/2014 Can't believe it's been 1 year. I miss you Dad............

J

February 23, 2014

I just decided to go into the internet and see if I could pick up Emil's name. I was glad I did, but am sorry to learn that he has passed away. The first time I saw him was in 1947 when he came with his family to be at the golden wedding anniversary of my aunt's in-laws (Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Anderson) in Glastonbury. We went to North Grosverndale a couple of times to see his folks at the church where his father was the pastor. The last time I saw him he was on his way back from the Great Lakes boot camp and he asked me to meet the train in Hartford as I was working just a few doors from the station.
It seems that he has had a very full life and that he lived it to the fullest. I know that you all will miss him and sometimes will think "Oh, I need to tell Dad that" and then realize that you can't.

I know that heaven is a place of quiet and beauty (my mother came to me twice in dreams and I saw her sitting amongst the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen.)

Please know that I wish all of you the best and always remember your dad as a very special person.

Marjorie Wiles Sayre, Miami, Florida

Marjorie Sayre

August 28, 2013

I knew Emil from St. Mark Church and I will always remember him as a warm and very friendly man. He was a true gentleman and to his family goes all my sympathy.I was very pleased to have a recent photo of him and share it.

Richard Russ

April 10, 2013

My deepest condolences to you all. I'll always treasure the memories with your Dad, thank you for sharing with me the life of a brilliant man. Take peace in knowing he'll be in pain no more as he watches over you all. Love, Michael

Michael Pasquale

March 19, 2013

Emil was an amazing man, I only wish knew him longer. Living in Groton Long Point , Ct in the summers it was a joy to stroll into the Gallery on Sundays and see Emil. I truly enjoyed chatting with him and it was an honor to be in the company of such an accomplished American! I am so very sorry for your loss.

Trish Savides
Boca Raton , FL

Trish Savides

March 12, 2013

To the Soderberg Family - We both worked at the Sound Lab where we met your dad - what a gentleman! My mom, Rose, worked in the cafeteria and knew your grandparents as she lived in North Grosvenordale. Two of my aunts,Gladys & Dorothy Pizzotti, went to school with Emil - it is a very small world. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. May memories sustain you.

Irene & Russ

Irene McDonough

March 1, 2013

Janice, my sincere condolences to you and the rest of your family on the passing of your dad. He was special like your mom and I know how much you'll miss him.
Warmest, Bill Roderick

February 28, 2013

To the Soderberg Family: My condolences on your loss. Emil was a very good friend from both our Underwater Sound Lab. days and later through Amateur Radio. Emil was always a kind and understanding gentleman. I will surely miss his presence on the air. 73 KB1KMW good friend, may your soul rest in peace.
Michael A. Tucker, W1MCT

Michael Tucker

February 28, 2013

To the Soderberg Family

Emil was my friend at the Sound Lab in New London. Frankly, I don't know when I got to know Emil because it seems like we always were friends. We lost touch when he went to A&T, but when I retired it was great to see him again at the twice a week lunches for Lab retirees.

Emil was a tower of strength during adversity. It was clear that he missed his wife, but he didn't dwell on it. The constant pain from his back didn't get him down; he overcame the pain and remained a friendly and caring person.

We will all miss Emil and be less without him.
Condolences to the Soderberg family and to his friends
Dick Mason

February 28, 2013

Linda, Hang on to the memories of this wonderful person. xoxo

Chris Cengel

February 28, 2013

Emil was one of my favorite Mensans. We met at breakfast in New London, and he always made us glad that he was one of us. His wit and good humor will be sorely missed.

Ann Fitzgerald

February 27, 2013

Our prayers and love to the entire family.

Love, Ginger and Kevin Morse

Ginger Morse

February 27, 2013

Dear Janice, Linda and Lori,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a nice man who always had the time to stop and say hello. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace now.
~Kim (Brown) Varney

February 27, 2013

Lori, You and your family and yours sisters and their families are all in our thoughts and prayers. I hope your Dad is at peace.

Love, Harriet & Bob

Harriet & Bob Bromley

February 27, 2013

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
-Mary Elizabeth Frye

Dearest Cousins - we are thinking about you this week.
Love Dan, Julia, Aurora & Max Bates

Daniel Bates

February 27, 2013

To Emil's Family
Emil worked on a number of my projects at the Lab and when he was at A&T. He was an expert in his field, a true perfectionist, a mentor, and a person whom everyone repected both for his scientific knowledge and his attitude towards his peers and life. He will be missed.
Respectfully
Tony Susi Code 34

February 27, 2013

To Emil's family, Emil befriended me through Amateur Radio, he and I visited and talked many times over the years. Emil was a great friend to have in my life. As a Combat Veteran of the Viet Nam War, I Salute my Friend as the Patriot he was. Emil always had a word or two of wisdom to share. I will surely miss his smiling face and quiet tone!

Ron Pariseau

February 26, 2013

To the sister's three,
Just wanted you all to know we are thinking you in this time of sadness.
Rest In Peace, Emil.
All our love, AJ and Kathy-o

February 26, 2013

To The Soderberg Family,
I have known your family for years. Your Grandmother Bates and my Grandmother Johnson were great friends. Your mother use to babysit us when we were little. It wasn't until I moved to Oakdale that I got to see your mom and dad again. Janice, you use to babysit for my children. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to you dad, either in the store or at election time. He was a wonderful man and always had nice things to say. I will miss seeing that smiling face and having those talks.
God Bless you All,
Donna Johnson Carlson

February 26, 2013

So sorry to hear that Emil has passed away. I remember him and Millicent from many, many local Mensa activities. I remember a warm-hearted man with a fine sense of hmor. Rest in peace, Emil.

Marge Cohen

February 26, 2013

I am sorry for your loss. I had the honor of working with Emil at A&T. He was such a nice person and a pleasure to work with.

Mitch Margolis

February 26, 2013

My condolences to the family of Emil. He was one of the nicest gentlemen I ever met. Cathy Albanese, Code 34 secretary

February 26, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.

February 25, 2013

My husband and I knew Emil through our radio clubs. He was a kind man and will be greatly missed. R.I.P my friend.

Christina and Rick Martin KB1QFW and N1DWM

February 25, 2013

To the Soderberg family
I knew Emil and Milly from both the lab
and the University of Conn.Sad to hear the news . Mkie Karamargin ,Ormond Beach FL.

Mike Karamargin

February 25, 2013

Dear Lori and Family:
My deepest sympathy for the passing of your father.He worked with my father at the Sound Lab and we grew up together in the Manor. Oh boy do I remeber those days. Keep smiling and keep the faith. That is what he would want for you all.

Linda Morgan

February 25, 2013

I knew Emil as a member of the Amateur Radio community. He was a true gentleman and will be missed.

Chip, N1MIE

February 25, 2013

To the Soderberg Family
I extend my deepest condolences. He was a wonderful friend and coworker. I worked with Emil on many projects. I was amazed to hear from Emil some time ago that he served on the U.S.S Roanoke (CL-145). I did as well, some years after his service. I served on the Roanoke 1955 to 1958. We will miss you, Emil, very much. God bless you, my friend.
Ron Rasi

February 25, 2013

Linda, Janice, Lori, Chrisopher & Jennifer, So sorry to read about Emil's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray and Linda Carter

February 25, 2013

Your love for your father was ever-present in difacult
times,as well as the good. That's the measure of a good man.And with out a doubt,he would have corrected my spelling! Blessing to all. Buster

gordon little

February 25, 2013

Lori,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.

v/r,

Gurden Smith

Gurden Smith

February 25, 2013

To the Soderberg family: I got to know Emil as part of our Sound Lab retiree lunch groups. When Emil wasn't able to drive to lunch I drove him there and we got to know one another better. He was a very nice person and will be missed.

Alan Goodman

February 25, 2013

Dear Lori -- My thoughts and prayers are with you on the death of your father. You always had such wonderful stories to tell about your father and mother. I know how close your family is, and I want to express my sincere condolences to all. Love, FloJo.

February 25, 2013

To The Soderberg Family: Our condolences on your loss of Emil, a good friend and great person: John & Yumi Johnson and members of the Nathan Hale Chapter, USCS.

February 25, 2013

Dear Lori, Janice, Linda and Family,

I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to all of you over the loss of your beloved father. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Always cherish the wonderful memories you shared over the years to give you comfort. God bless you all.

Love, Linda Santiago

February 24, 2013

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