Fred Hamilton Henderson, Sr., a beloved resident of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2026, at the age of 76. He bravely battled Parkinson’s Disease for over two decades, yet maintained his trademark smile and wit throughout his life. Henderson’s resilience and positive outlook served as an inspiration to those around him.
Born in Washington, Pennsylvania, Henderson 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. Following their wedding, he served in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1977, a period during which he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1974.
Henderson’s deep commitment to his Catholic faith was evident through his active involvement at St. Michael’s in Levittown, Pennsylvania. He served as an usher and was a dedicated member of the Knight of Columbus for 25 years. His community spirit extended beyond the church as he contributed his time and energy to charity events, including working at bingo for Prince of Peace.
After moving to The Villages, Henderson embraced his Irish heritage, discovering he was 19% Irish through a DNA test, and subsequently joined the Hibernians. His final act of generosity was donating his brain to Shands for Parkinson’s research, further emphasizing his commitment to helping others even in death.
Henderson’s career took him across multiple states, including Washington, PA; Langhorne, PA; Levittown, PA; Jacksonville, AL; and several locations in Florida, culminating in his retirement in 2012. His passion for travel saw him visiting various countries, including Ecuador, the Panama Canal, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.
Sports played a significant role in his life. During his high school years, he excelled in track and continued to enjoy various sports throughout adulthood, including golf, tennis, bowling, and even pickleball. A devoted fan of Penn State and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Henderson was known for his unwavering enthusiasm for all sports, often cheering for his children and grandchildren in their various activities—ranging from basketball and baseball to dance and academics.
Henderson is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret, and their three children: Fred Jr. (Erin), Christopher (Erica), and Heather Kitchel (Jason). He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Cole, Mason, Stevie, Johnnie, Logan, and Gabe.
His family and friends remember him as a kind and loving man whose spirit will continue to inspire others. As The Villages community mourns his loss, they also celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to family, faith, and service.
