OBITUARY: Rockledge Sports Legend Donald Soderstrom, 90, Passed Away Peacefully at Home in Rockledge

dedicated his life to sports and mentorship

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — Donald Soderstrom, a Hall of Fame high school athlete, minor league baseball player, coach, and lifelong sportsman, passed away peacefully at his home in Rockledge on June 15, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born in Concord, New Hampshire, on February 10, 1935, Don was a standout athlete at Concord Catholic High School and was later inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame.

He played minor league baseball for the Boston Red Sox organization and dedicated his life to sports and mentorship.

In Concord, Don worked at the New Hampshire State Hospital and State Prison, owned a service station, and coached community and semi-pro sports teams. Known for his generosity, he gave away his own trophies to recognize young athletes he coached.

In 1982, Don moved to Florida, where he became the head custodian at Merritt Island High School and coached championship baseball, softball, and basketball teams until his retirement in 1997.

After retirement, he returned to his love of horses, becoming a successful breeder, trainer, and racer of Standardbred horses. He was named Breeder of the Year by the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association.

In his later years, Don enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with family. He will be remembered for his deep love of sports, his kindness, and the many lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters Arianne and Wendy; son-in-law Oscar; grandchildren Sandra, Oscar E., and Sarah; and three great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 27, at 9:45 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Merritt Island, Florida. Burial will follow at a later date at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire.

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