WASHINGTON — Del. Ted Sophocleus, D-Anne Arundel, died at a Baltimore hospital on Friday. He was 79.
He started his career as a pharmacist in the early 1960s but transitioned into public service when he was elected to the Anne Arundel County Council in 1982.
The election began a public service career that spanned the next 35 years.
He started his service in the Maryland House of Delegates as a Democrat from Linthicum in 1993. He was a member of the Appropriations, Ways and Means, Judiciary committees and other groups within the Maryland General Assembly during his long-running career.
Sophocleus was remembered by colleagues and constituents on Friday.
In a statement, Maryland Republican Party Chairman Dirk Haire said Sophocleus was “one of the nicest people in Annapolis and was able to put politics aside and do what was right for his constituents.”
On her Facebook page, Delegate Pam Beidle of Anne Arundel County wrote: “I will miss my friend, he taught me so much.”
Pasadena Sheriff Ron Bateman wrote: “he loved this county. … He will be missed.”
Anne Arundel County Del. Seth Howard, a Republican, wrote on Facebook: “Even though we voted differently on and debated many issues I always had the utmost respect for this dedicated public servant. I will miss him.”
Sophocleus is survived by his wife, Alice, and his children and grandchildren.
