Frederick John Wadsworth, 85, went home to be with The Lord at 12:26 a.m. Sunday morning May 20th, 2018. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was born on April 14th, 1933 to the late Albert William Wadsworth and Helen Mable (Benfur) Wadsworth of Niagara Falls, New York.
He graduated from LaSalle HS and later Niagara University with a degree in Finance and Accounting, while also completing the ROTC program. Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his active duty service, Fred earned his Master’s Degree in Finance and Accounting from Indiana University. He proudly served his country for 21 years of active duty which included two tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1977 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and immediately began his 2nd career with Columbus-based AFLAC. He retired after 25 years with AFLAC in 2003 as a Vice President in the Compliance Dept.
Fred loved sports, especially playing golf at Maple Ridge with his friends. He loved following his NY Yankees and could often be heard yelling at the TV when they were playing! He also loved nicknames and when he gave you one you knew that he thought very highly of you. Fred was very active in his church (Reformation Lutheran Church) and served faithfully.
Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila Wadsworth and is survived by their six children; son, Fred Wadsworth and five daughters, Mary K. Wadsworth, Eileen Forrest, Julie Donaldson, Terri Skiles, and Anne Wadsworth. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Fred Wadsworth, Bonnie Wadsworth, Josie Wadsworth, Kristine Lord, Stephen Pittard, Amber Wiles, Nathan Forrest, Brittney Skiles, Brandon Skiles, Alexis Skiles; and great-grandchildren Gabriel Lord, Charlotte Lord, Mason Wiles, Maddox Wiles, and McKenzie Wiles, Kaydence Forrest and Nathan Forrest; his sisters Selma Webster, Carol Brown, and Linda Walker. Fred was also preceded in death by his parents Albert Wadsworth and Helen Wadsworth; his brothers Gary Wadsworth, Lynn Wadsworth and Mark Wadsworth. He is survived by second wife, Cheryle P. Wadsworth and her two sons, Joey Erwin and Gerard Erwin and two grandsons Spencer Erwin and Eli Erwin.
The funeral service was held on May 24 at Striffler-Hamby Chapel. The entire family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude and love to Grandson Brandon Skiles for his selfless, patient and loving care of our dad, granddad, great granddad, brother, and husband Fred Wadsworth. We all owe you a debt we can never repay! Rest in Peace "Big Wad" we all loved you!
