Theodore Vincent Hromadka II

Ted was born in Texas in 1950, and then, like most military children, bounced around Army bases in Europe and many United States sites before finally settling with his family in southern California. He learned his deep sense of patriotism at the knees of his parents, both of whom were officers in the US Army.

Ted was deeply honored to have earned an appointment to West Point Military Academy as a cadet during the Vietnam War era, but was discharged after two months due to injuries. Failing to serve his country remained a deep regret for Ted. But following his retirement from a long academic career with the California State University system, he returned at long last to West Point, this time as a mathematics professor. The privilege, honor, and pride he felt in that role for his entire 18-year term there cannot be overstated. Though he never quite lost his guilt at not standing with his brothers-in-arms, he hoped his dedication to ‘his’ cadets provided a substitute of sorts.

In 1972, while rowing canoes as a ride operator at Disneyland, a young woman in his canoe gave him a big smile as they circled around the Rivers of America. Imagine his surprise when he saw her again the next day in her ‘costume’ in Bear Country. Less than a year later they were married and on their way to raising four wonderful children, who then proceeded to produce 13 wonderful children of their own. Sadly, they seem to have inherited his life-long love of practical jokes, to which his long-suffering wife still seems to be the main target. Ted’s expanding family was truly his greatest accomplishment and source of joy, pride, and hope for the future.

Ted redefined the term overachiever, at least academically. Five advanced college degrees, three of them doctorates, should have been enough. However, in his last week of life he was researching a new degree path in climatology. He was also quite proud of owning a student weightlifting record at CSUF, and having his major be listed as “Math” among all the athletes! A life-long learner for sure, he was interested in so many science-based topics and had useful insights about most things. Learning was his favorite hobby, or it perhaps came second to his love of German Shepherd dogs.

He used that brilliant mind and love of learning professionally as well, employed by several engineering firms before opening his own firm in 2001. His special area of expertise was hydrology, focusing upon flooding, landslides, erosion and the like, often testifying in court cases as an expert witness. He contributed to or wrote the hydrology manuals of most counties in Southern CA, which remain in use today, and authored the AES software still considered the industry standard. He enjoyed righting wrongs when he could, and in defending those who may not have the means against more sophisticated and financially able opponents.

Ted did his best. Rest in Peace, soulmate.