James M. Soderquist

James M. Soderquist, age 75, passed away peacefully with his two loving daughters by his side in the early hours of Friday, October 22, 2021 at the VA Medical Center in West Haven following a courageous battle with cancer.  Born in Bridgeport, the son of the late Victor Carl Soderquist, Sr. and Esther (Whiteman) Soderquist, he was raised in Fairfield and had lived in Bridgeport and most recently, Ansonia.  Jim graduated from Andrew Warde High School in 1964 and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Jim retired as a Plant Manager at CT Aerosol and had worked at the Stratfield Mobil Station and as a grounds keeper at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.  He was a member of the Elks Lodge 2220 in Fairfield, the Loyal Order of the Moose, American Legion Post 143 in Fairfield and the National Association of Naval Veterans, Port 5 in Black Rock.  Jim was an avid NY Yankees, NY Giants and Boston Celtics fan.  He enjoyed the outdoors, doing his yard work and gardening.  He will be sadly missed by his two beloved daughters, Dawn and Rene Fontanez and Sandy and Brian Piccirillo all of Ansonia; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren;  two brothers and two sisters,  Richard Soderquist of Sandy Hook, Kevin  and Toni Soderquist of NC, Barbara Soderquist of Fairfield, Arlene and Richard Achilli of FL; his best friend and former wife, Aprile Soderquist; good friends, Steve and Linda Kman and Ron and Mare Metzger and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Victor and Kenneth Soderquist and niece, Carol Grillo.  The family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. Tamar Taddei and Susan Zapatka and all the hospice nurses at the VA Medical Center, West Haven and Hartford Health at Home nursing for the excellent and compassionate care provided to Jim during his illness.  A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Lawncroft Cemetery, 1740 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield with the Rev. Mark Evans officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Ability Beyond Disability, 4 Berkshire Blvd., Bethel, CT 06801.  For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com