Stephen C. Soderlund, age 81, of Swansea, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at Grace Barker Nursing Home. He was the husband of Mary “Linda” (Cabral) Soderlund to whom he has been married for the past 54 years.
Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late John and Dorothy (Swanson) Soderlund, he lived in East Providence before moving to Swansea over fifty years ago.
A graduate of East Providence High School and Brown University, Stephen was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he served as a Division Supply Officer. He went on to a 36-year career in banking, beginning at Hospital Trust, then as a regional vice-president for many years at Durfee Attleboro Bank of Fall River, then at Navigant Credit Union, retiring in 2006.
From a young man, Steve's passion was youth sports. He helped develop the Pop Warner League in East Providence where he coached and mentored several teams. He then went on to coach in the Swansea Independent Baseball League (SIBL), eventually becoming its vice-president. Later, he coached and umpired the Swansea Girls' Softball League where he and several dedicated volunteers spent countless weekends establishing the softball fields at Hoyle School.
He was a referee for Swansea Girls' Basketball where he was known for his fairness and unflappable demeanor. He was instrumental in establishing the freshmen girls’ basketball program at Joseph Case High School. Throughout his many years of volunteerism, Steve was admired and respected for his unbiased and respectful treatment not only of coaches and players, but for everyone he knew.
Of all the roles of his lifetime, Steve considered his most important ones to be those of father, husband, and grandfather. His quiet strength and selflessness made him an inspiring example to his children, and a loving partner to his wife. He leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, patience, dedication, and respect. He will be missed by many.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Stephen “Chuck” Soderlund and his partner Tania Cesario of Swansea; one daughter, Lyn Soderlund of Swansea; one brother Michael Soderlund and his partner Diane of CT; one granddaughter, Sienna Soderlund of Swansea and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John, Clifford and Robert Soderlund.
His Funeral will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 9:00AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00PM. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02960 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Burial in Vinnicum Woods Cemetery, Swansea.
