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Frederick Wenz Obituary
Branchburg - Frederick Wenz, 79, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at his residence. Born in Bound Brook, NJ, Frederick resided in Bound Brook before moving to Branchburg 51 years ago.
Fred graduated from Somerville High School in 1959.
Fred was the owner and operator of Garden Oaks Specialties for over 50 years.
Fred was an avid baseball player. He played for the Louisville Sluggers, Boston Red Sox and The Phillies as a relief pitcher. He acquired the nickname "Fireball" because he threw over 100 mph. Not only was Fred a great baseball player, he was also a great story teller. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. Fred was a large collector of liquor water pitchers. One thing Fred loved the most was spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Fred was larger than life itself and will be missed tremendously.
He is preceded in death by his beloved parents Hannah Bartok and Frederick C. Wenz Sr., his grandparents, a son Dr. James Wenz and a daughter in law Dr. Lydia Wenz.
Surviving are his loving wife of 56 years Madeline DeBaro Wenz, who he said was the love of his life, a daughter Lisa Serridge of Lebanon, NJ; five cherished grandchildren Ashley, Brett, Adrianna, James and Madeline, two adored great grandchildren Ryan and Skylar, many loving nieces and nephews and his two canine companions, Slugger and Freddy.
A viewing will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 from 4-8 pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home 910 Rt. 202 South Branchburg, NJ. A prayer service will being at the funeral home on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 11am. Burial will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Redfield Cemetery in Redfield, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made in Fred's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Wenz
Sponsored by Branchburg Funeral Home.
Tom Zarvis
November 14, 2023
I adored Fireball when he pitched for the Double AA Pittsfield Ma.Red Sox.Many future great players had stops in Pittsfield Massachusetts along the way to the big leagues,but Fred was my favorite, although he never achieved the status some of the famous players who made it to the "Bigs,"at least he had time in the majors.,albeit brief and interesting.His 100 mph fastball attached to the moniker Fireball, evoked larger than life thoughts and unforgettable memories in this impressionable kid
Back in those days ,1970,when I was a sophomore,St Joseph's High School,I could tell you everything about Fred,his stats,player number,(26) birthplace,records,era and on and on.I will never forget that night huddling over the radio when he came in the against the Washington Senators and struck out the side,Big Frank Howard included.
Yes, it's bittersweet to read of his passing,but happy to learn he had such a wonderful life post baseball career.Thanks for the interest in baseball u lit in me and that Boston cream pie you bought a few classmates and me one summer night after a game at Wachonah Park at the Lantern Restaurant.You were my favorite Red Sox ,my boyhood idol.RIP Fireball
Joe Enslin
November 19, 2020
Madeline and family, Iam very sorry to hear about Fred. We will never forget all the great snowmobile rides,checking traps, eating wings in the barn, fantastic stories, and laughing uncontloably over food and drink. Unfortunately my brother Jimmy Ensln suddenly passed away the day after Fred . Jimmy also went to FIREBALLS many times over the last 20 years and I'm sure they are hitting the groomed trails and keeping the shiny side up!
Dave & Terri
October 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pat hampton
October 10, 2020
He was a great friend to me and my husband Bob. He was always smiling
And always asked my husband about cars. He loved the philes baseball club. He will be sadly missed by everyone.
Sandy Thorn
October 10, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Loved seeing that smile !! He could light up a room .
Sam Sampson
October 9, 2020
My sincere condolences to Madeline and family. After I got to know Fred I told him that he was a hidden treasure on tug hill. Because of his friendly nature and story telling. Fred will be missed by all that knew him.
Eric Fedorko
October 9, 2020
My condolences to Madeline and the entire family. I am sad to hear this news. I met Fireball at the snowmobile lodge and could sit and listen to his stories for hours. He knew how I loved those Sour Cream donuts. Ride on Fireball!!
John Holliday and Leigh Ameele
October 9, 2020
My Condolences Madeline and all of your family, He was a great man and John and I are Thankful that we had a chance to get to know him, we enjoyed our stays with you guys at your Redfield home, He was an amazing man with so many amazing life stories that we could sit for hours and listen to him and seemed like a minute in time, He will be missed by all.... the one and only FIREBALL
Lynn Evans
October 8, 2020
My Sincere thoughts and Prayers to his Wife and Family!
So very sorry for your loss.I didn’t get a chance to meet him but did hear stories from my Daughter Tara, which she will cherish forever
Michael Tyler
October 8, 2020
So sorry to hear of the passing of the legendary “Fireball”, our friend and a slice of real Americana.
Lorraine Cirello
October 8, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to my friend, Madeline, and the entire family. Our friendship goes back many years, even before high school. I will always remember Fred as "full of life" with a friendly smile on his face and very "upbeat." I believe that is how he would have wanted everyone to remember him. When God calls someone quickly, there is no time for goodbyes.............only time for the wonderful memories that they left behind. My thoughts and prayers and with all of you. God Bless.
October 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss. My late husband Scott loved Fireball. I have pictures of the boys in NY snowmobiling. God Bless.
Teri Perfetto (Scott)
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
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Memorial Events
for Frederick Wenz
Oct
9
Viewing
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Branchburg Funeral Home910 Rt 202 S. (US Hwy 202 South), Somerville, NJ 08876
Oct
10
Prayer Service
11:00 a.m.
Branchburg Funeral Home910 Rt 202 S. (US Hwy 202 South), Somerville, NJ 08876
Funeral services provided by:
Branchburg Funeral Home910 Rt 202 S. (US Hwy 202 South), Somerville, NJ 08876
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