Theodore D. Chung

Dr. Theodore D. Chung, 62, passed away on September 8, 2024, with Elizabeth, his wife of 35 years by his side. He was a true gentleman, demonstrating his strength through his morals, wisdom, humility, and commitment to family and friends. Although Parkinson's disease cut his life short, Ted had an impactful career as a radiation oncologist and led his life with fortitude, dignity, and good humor. He was a champion father and loving husband, who will be remembered for his winning smile, selfless devotion, and impeccable taste, particularly for single-malt scotch that he shared freely.

Ted grew up in Colesville, MD, riding a banana seat bike, playing soccer with friends, spending time with family, and mastering the martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Graduating magna cum laude from Cornell University in 1984, Ted earned an MD/PhD from the University of Maryland Dept of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics in 1991 and completed a Radiation Oncology residency at Johns Hopkins University in 1995. Holding faculty appointments at the University of Chicago, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Georgia Health Sciences University, Ted published numerous research articles on cancer gene therapy and radiotherapy. He devoted his work as a physician-scientist to saving the lives of his patients.

The only son of the late Drs. Ok Hyung Kang and Ed Baik Chung, Ted is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Kim Chung, and son, Augustine, of GA; his uncle, Lt. Col. Shim Hyung Kang and wife, Sookja, of South Korea; his aunt, Choonhyung, and husband, Dr. Sooyoung Chang, of MD; cousins Patrick Chang and wife, Amy, and their children, Carolyn and Rachel, and Katherine Chang; and his four sisters: Dr. Sophia Chung and husband, John Holds, of MO; Dr. Jeanne Chung and fiancé, Don Benvenuto, of MO; Virginia Lucci and husband, Joseph, of PA; Dr. Esther Chung and husband, Dennis Lee, of WA; and six nieces and nephews: Jack Holds; Audrey Holds; Matthew Lucci and wife, Griffin; Rebecca Stewart and husband, Ethan; Marissa Sinopoli and husband, Joe; and Emma Lee.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. "…when you have reached the mountaintop, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance" – Kahlil Gibran, poet.