Fred Hamilton Henderson, Sr., a beloved member of the community in The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2026, at the age of 76. After a courageous 22-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, he remained an inspiration to all, embodying strength and resilience throughout his illness.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Fred graduated from Trinity High School in 1967 before pursuing a degree in Journalism at Point Park College. He married his lifelong partner, Margaret Truax Henderson, on April 17, 1971. Following their wedding, he served in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1977, demonstrating his commitment to both family and country.
Community Contributions and Passion for Sports
Fred was deeply rooted in his faith, actively participating at St. Michael’s in Levittown, where he became an usher and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years. He dedicated time to charity work, notably running bingo for the Prince of Peace. After a DNA test revealed his 19% Irish ancestry, he joined the Hibernians upon moving to The Villages.
His dedication to helping others was evident in his final act of charity, donating his brain to Shands for Parkinson’s research. Fred’s career led him to live in several places across the United States, including Washington, PA; Ft Lauderdale, FL; and Daytona Beach, FL, before retiring in 2012 and settling in The Villages.
Sporting activities were a significant part of Fred’s life. He enjoyed running track in high school and continued his passion through golf, tennis, and bowling. He even took up pickleball later in life. An ardent supporter of Penn State and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fred spent many weekends cheering for his favorite teams, though he always found joy in watching any sport.
A Legacy of Family and Love
Fred’s greatest pride was his family. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he actively attended his children’s and grandchildren’s events, whether they were in basketball, baseball, or the arts. He was well-known as everyone’s biggest fan, always encouraging and supporting them in their endeavors.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Josephine Jane Henderson and Fred Chester Henderson, as well as his sister, Joyce Henderson Thornburg, and brother-in-law, Dave Thornburg. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Margaret, their children, Fred Jr. (Erin), Christopher (Erica), and Heather Kitchel (Jason), along with six grandchildren: Cole, Mason, Stevie, Johnnie, Logan, and Gabe.
Fred Hamilton Henderson leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering support for his family and community. His spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.
