Fred Hamilton Henderson, Sr., aged 76, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at his home in The Villages, Florida. After a courageous 22-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Fred remained a beacon of strength and positivity, inspiring those around him with his unwavering spirit and sharp wit.
Born in 1949, Fred graduated from Trinity High School in 1967 and later pursued a degree in Journalism at Point Park College. He married his lifelong partner, Margaret Truax Henderson, on April 17, 1971. His commitment to service was evident during his time in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1977, following which he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1974.
Fred was a devoted member of the Catholic community, actively participating at St. Michael’s in Levittown, Pennsylvania. He served as an usher and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years. His passion for community service extended to working at bingo events for charity at Prince of Peace.
In a testament to his Irish heritage, Fred joined the Hibernians after discovering he was 19% Irish through a DNA test. His commitment to research in Parkinson’s Disease led him to donate his brain to Shands for further study, underscoring his belief in giving back to the community even after his passing.
Over the years, Fred’s career took him to various locations, including Washington, PA; Langhorne, PA; Levittown, PA; Jacksonville, AL; and several cities in Florida, with his retirement in 2012 marking his final move to The Villages. His travels included international destinations such as Ecuador, the Panama Canal, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.
Fred’s love for sports began in high school, where he excelled in track. His enthusiasm continued through adulthood with activities like golf, tennis, and bowling, and he even took up pickleball later in life. A devoted fan of Penn State football and the Pittsburgh Steelers, he relished watching games on weekends and cheering for all sports, especially those involving his children and grandchildren.
Fred is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret, their three children—Fred Jr. (Erin), Christopher (Erica), and Heather Kitchel (Jason)—and six grandchildren: Cole, Mason, Stevie, Johnnie, Logan, and Gabe. He was predeceased by his mother, Josephine Jane Henderson; father, Fred Chester Henderson; sister, Joyce Henderson Thornburg; and brother-in-law, Dave Thornburg.
The legacy of Fred Hamilton Henderson will live on through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in his family and community. His resilience and commitment to others will serve as a lasting inspiration to all who knew him.
