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Fred Formichella Jr.

FUNERAL HOME

Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel - Wilmington

4108 S. College Rd

Wilmington, North Carolina

Fred Formichella Obituary

FRED FORMICHELLA, JR. Fred Formichella Jr. passed away Sunday, September 20, 2020 at his home in Wilmington, NC. Fred was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 22, 1954. He grew up in Rosemont, Pennsylvania and graduated from Radnor High School where he was a star athlete. He received a scholarship for baseball and basketball to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he majored in Political Science and minored in Business. During his time at UNCP he was recruited by the Cape Cod League after being noticed for his pitching skills. After college, Fred began working for SAGA (later bought by Marriott-Sodexo). At SAGA, Fred became the youngest District Manager and was eventually promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations for Sodexo. At Sodexo, Fred worked with over 125 colleges and universities and was dedicated to the advancements of HBCU's. In addition, he was a council member for the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, INC. Later, Fred focused on entrepreneurial work, and eventually founded RainDai 2 LLC, and worked at the Thomas Entrepreneurial Hub at UNCP where he helped and promoted sustainability and logistics for local farmers. Fred is survived by his wife, Janet Woltemate Formichella, daughters, Anna and Catherine Formichella, sisters, Dolores Formichella and Frances Formichella Shaffer, and father, Fred Formichella Sr. He was predeceased by his mother, Dolores Benson Formichella of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Spending time with his family, walking the beach with his golden retriever, Remy, and vacationing in Hilton Head Island brought him great joy. He will be remembered most for his humor, extraordinary generosity, thoughtfulness, awareness for those in need, and love for his family. In these challenging times, donations to any organization that takes care of people in need would honor Fred and the work that he did. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com

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Published by Wilmington Star-News on Sep. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Formichella

Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel - Wilmington.

24 Entries

M'Lou Greene

August 15, 2024

I dreamed about Fred this morning, along with other folks who worked in the food service at Queens. Decided to Google him, and found this sad news. I enjoyed working with him and am so sorry he has been gone for nearly four years. May his family continue to remember Fred with love and happy memories.

Patsy Buck

December 10, 2020

Fred was the one who would light up the room as soon as he walked in the door. He definitely loved life and especially loved people. The mention of the people closest to him (wife and daughters) lit up his face with the biggest smile.
Saddened by the news of losing him, I am glad to have known Fred and like many others, have some funny and memorable stories we can carry with us. Till we meet again! RIP Fred.
Prayers for peace and comfort to the Formichella family.

Tiffany Moore

October 7, 2020

I met Fred when I worked at UNCP for 12.5 years. Fred was such a character and a sharp dresser! He always made me laugh when he called my boss. My heart goes out to all his loved ones during this awful time, and I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Kenneth N. Ivory

October 4, 2020

To the Formichella family, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thank you for sharing Fred with us; his energy, his passion, his laughter, and most importantly his leadership and mentorship to those of us in the contract foodservice management industry. He was truly a trailblazer!

Kelly Cantwell

October 1, 2020

Back in the 80's I lived in Charlotte, NC. Fred was one of my close friends. He always brought laughter and fun when we were together. My husband and I have such fond memories of times shared with Fred on vacations, at the beach... and so much more. I wish we had stayed connected. Clearly, Fred lived a wonderful life and gave back to others with a generous heart. May he rest in peace!

Lisa DeStefano

September 30, 2020

So hard to put into words ... but somewhere between big brother, business partner in crime, and dear friend I could always find Fred. Larger then Life is truly a perfect description of a man who heart was that open. My memories are treasures now. He loved big and couldn’t share enough love of Janet, Anna and Catherine “always in touch watching over” and Remy his newest playmate was a true delight to him. Girls he is watching over you Now and Always that will Never Change.
RIP MY DEAR FRIEND
You made my world a much better place ...will be a bit lost without you my friend you left way to early xo

Rosalind Meyers

September 29, 2020

Fred was a great business partner and a really good person. It was our delight to know him and have him as a friend. Our sincere sympathy goes out to his family. Roz Meyers and Tom Reynolds

donovan mackey

September 28, 2020

I love you Fred RIP
The best uncle and friend
Always a big smile

Beth Royal

September 28, 2020

I knew Fred at UNCP and always thought of him as a super nice guy. I am so sorry for his family’s loss. Praying for peace and loving memories as time goes on.

Audrey Boily

September 28, 2020

Fred raised two beautiful daughters I’m so lucky to call my friends. He was an incredibly fun and kind man that always cared for his girls. My thoughts love are with you all.

Carolyn Sarbacher

September 28, 2020

Dear Janet - Not sure if you remember meeting me. I think it was in Grand Cayman when you and Fred came on the Sodexo Sales Incentive trip several years back. I ran the meeting. My husband and I sat at your table one evening and I so enjoyed meeting you, the other half! Fred is such a wonderful man, always so full of life and interest in people. He was very well respected. I always looked forward to seeing him at Management Conferences and these sales trips. I am so so sorry for your loss. He is just too young for this to have happened. I am sure you have many many memories and I hope they will help as time passes. I retired four years ago so it has been quite awhile since keeping up with everyone. I spoke last night with Mike Duwe and he recounted stories of his friendship with Fred. I am sure he had many friends.
Take care,
Carolyn Sarbacher

Jim Halcombe

September 28, 2020

I'm at a loss for words. Fred was more than just my boss. He was one of a few people outside of my family that would call me "Jimmy". Truly special to me and so many others. I loved his sense of humor and probably most of all that he cared about others. Much love to Janet, the girls and family. Take care and God bless!

Christian J. Fischer

September 27, 2020

I was shocked and saddened to learn about the death of Fred. He was thoughtful, kind, and generous, and his devotion to his family was admirable. His personality was larger than life, and his jokes made everyone laugh, and his smile lit up the room. I will cherish the memories I have of Fred. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Mallick Wightman

September 27, 2020

Chris and I are so sorry at Fred’s passing. God bless Fred, Janet and the girls. The memories of the heart will never fade and will forever be cherished by everyone who came to know Fred. He will visit us all in our sleep reminding us what a joy he was to us all. It is an honor to have so many great memories.
Fred, so much loved his family. The good Lord has called him home (probably needing his help to make others feel extra special).
May we never diminish the memories. God bless and keep you.

Mal and Chris Wightman

Nancy Moody

September 27, 2020

Thank you , Fred for ALL that you did for LMU, when I was president there. You will be missed!!! Great memories. Thank you. My best to your family through this MOST DIFFICULT time!!!!!

David McHargue

September 27, 2020

Fred was my VP for several years when I worked for Sodexo at Berea College. Your family has been in our thoughts and prayers.

Ronald Copley

September 27, 2020

My wife, Wanda, and I knew Fred from Queen's College in Charlotte in 1977-78. The three of us were good friends during that time often going to social gatherings together. I remember Fred as a fun-loving guy with a big heart. Always lots of laughs being around him. Although I have not seen Fred for many years, I will remember him as a good friend. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely,,,Ron Copley

Elaine Stewart

September 26, 2020

Those of us who worked with Fred, knew him as larger than life. Speaking for me, I'm still in shock that he is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the girls for peace and comfort. Gone but never forgotten. Offering up 23 rosaries - one for each year he and I worked together. May he rest in peace.

Sharon Barnabei

September 26, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a great friend of my late husband, Fred Barnabei. They met while my husband was at Augusta University.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Gwen Carreras-Harriss

September 26, 2020

We are truly saddened by the loss of Fred. He brought such energy to every conversation, event and celebration! He loved life and life loved Fred!
Our prayers, friendship & love will always be extended to you Janet (& your precious girls). May God bless you all!
Love, Bryan & Gwen

Vern Johnson

September 26, 2020

Peace be with you

Carolyn Schoonover

September 25, 2020

I am profoundly saddened to hear about Fred's passing. He used to come into our office supply store in Denver on a regular basis and we did office work for him. I also knew him when he attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was always upbeat and extraordinarily generous. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family. My prayers are with you.