Todor "Teddy" Ivanov Gadjev, age 48, passed away on April 28, 2026. 

Teddy is survived by his beloved mother, Florence Gadjev, and his devoted siblings: his sister Katerina Gadjev Drouin and her husband Derek Drouin, and their children Luciano and Viviana; his brother Ilia Gadjev; his brother Christopher Gadjev and his wife Sarah Traxler; and his sister Marie Gadjev and her husband Joe Moultrup, and their sons Jack and Henry. He is also survived by his extended family and beloved cousins, including his uncle Peter and aunt Mary Christoff and their children Tommy, Stacy, Christopher, and Stephanie; his uncle Jim and aunt Christine Fakouras; and his uncle Zdravko Gadjev and his children Ilia and Katerina.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ivan Iliev Gadjev; his paternal grandparents, Dedo Ilia Gadjev and Baba Katerina Gadjev; his maternal grandparents, Dedo Atanas and Baba Mary Christoff; his uncle and aunt Ilia and Maria Karakiev; his aunt Slavinia Gadjev; and his cousin Velichka Ilieva Pazacheva.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their loving cousins Iliyana and Petya, and to Teddy's dearest friends in Bulgaria, Rumen and Dancho, whose immeasurable support carried them through their time of need. The family is also deeply grateful to the Very Reverend Father (Cheecho) Slavcho and Popadia (Teta) Nella Panev, who while visiting Bulgaria at the time of Teddy's passing, were able to perform a prayer service for him before returning home. Their presence and ministry were a profound comfort.

His family and friends, and the organizations he worked with, have these words to share:

"His loss is invaluable and very heavy for all… he was an example of dedication, hard work, patriotism, honesty and justice. In his person we had a worthy and wonderful example of a young man who, although raised far from Bulgaria, was a true patriot."

— Vladimir Moskov, Mayor of Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria Municipality

"I will remember him as a man of character, convictions, and sincere devotion to the Bulgarian cause. He understood that a nation without memory loses part of its future. He worked with a deep sense of duty, not for personal recognition, but so that a legacy would remain for future generations."

— Svetoslav Stankov, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago

"We will remember Theodore Gadjev as a dear friend, dedicated scholar, and passionate chronicler of the early Macedonian-Bulgarian emigrant community in North America."

— Macedonian Patriotic Organization

"As we say goodbye to him, we bow not only to a man, but also to the memory of a generation that teaches us that history is not just the past, but a foundation on which the future is built."

— EuroChicago

"The death of Todor Gadzhev is a huge loss for Gotse Delchev and for all who cherish Bulgarian historical memory."

— Top Presa

In his published words in the Macedonian Tribune, when asked what message he would leave for readers, Teddy answered: "To not lose their connection to the generations that came to North America before them, many through great hardships and sacrifice. Only this way their names and accomplishments will never be forgotten."

May his memory be eternal. Bog da prosti.

Teddy will lie in state Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 36375 Joy Rd., Westland. Following his Funeral Service, Teddy will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Detroit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Teddy’s name may be directed to:

Bulgarian Cultural Center: The purpose of this cultural center and school is to teach the Bulgarian community and those interested about the Bulgarian culture through the use of events, festivals, concerts, and Saturday school.

• Venmo: @Bulgarian-CulturalCenter

• Zelle: Treasurer@BulgariansInDetroit.com

• Check Payable to Bulgarian Cultural Center (Attn: Marinela Zgourov), 45807 White Pines Novi, MI 48374

St. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church

• Paypal