Obituary: Theodore "Ted" Oscar Buchholz III, 62, Successful 30-Year Career in College Textbook Publishing

Obituary from Conte Funeral Home.

Theodore “Ted” Oscar Buchholz III, 62, died peacefully at home on March 2, 2015, after a long illness. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather and friend who possessed remarkable wit, courage and generosity. Ted was born in Luverne, Alabama on August 17, 1952 and spent his childhood in Alabama, Germany and South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a degree in international studies in 1973.

Ted had a highly successful 30 year career in college textbook publishing and worked for companies including Harcourt College Publishers and ExploreLearning. He started his career as a sales representative, and then progressed to editor, publisher and senior vice president, and then chief executive officer. In the early 1980s, Ted co-authored a series of books on computers; while not a computer engineer, it seemed he immediately sensed the importance of this burgeoning technology. Ted is admired for his charisma, leadership and kindness to so many who were fortunate to work with him. Ted was very social, and exuded a certain magnetic quality that drew people to him across professional and personal realms.

Ted appreciated art, literature, and music, and sought opportunities to further his knowledge across a wide variety of disciplines. Although perhaps not musically gifted himself, Ted was very musical and often could be heard humming his favorite Christmas, Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd songs. Ted was involved in a variety of philanthropic activities including an Adopt a School program and leading art classes at a residential senior facility. He most enjoyed spending time with his wife and children, traveling, hiking, cooking, biking, and playing indoor and outdoor games. Ted was a very involved and doting father who strongly encouraged his six children’s interest areas and ambitions, and supported their endeavors in every way possible.

Ted is predeceased by his parents, Oscar Theodore Buchholz and Miriam Maddox Buchholz. Ted is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Monica Finnigan Buchholz. In addition to his wife, Ted leaves behind six beautiful children, Louise B. Southern and her husband Michael, of Raleigh, N.C.; Karl B. Buchholz and his wife Amelia, of Asheville, N.C.; Theodore O. Buchholz and his wife Whitney, of Tucson, A.Z.; and Ana M. Buchholz, Max W. Buchholz, and Ben M. Buchholz, of Andover. He also leaves three young grandchildren, Jacob, Jeremiah and Theodore; sister Ginger B. Hicks and her husband John, of Easley, S.C; brothers-in-law, Tom Finnigan, of Highland, N.Y., John M. Finnigan and his wife Jomary, of Maitland, F.L.; father-in-law John Finnigan, of Venice, F.L.; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 6th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Conte Funeral Home, 28 Florence Street, Andover, with a funeral service immediately following at 7 p.m. At the family’s request, a private burial will take place on Saturday, March 7th at Spring Grove Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit our website at www.contefuneralhomes.com.