Albert Dean Wadley of Englewood, Florida was born May 2, 1929, in Millersburg, Ohio to parents Mary (Woodruff) and Ellis Wadley. Albert grew up in a log cabin at the corner of Amoy Road and Bowman Street, after the family moved to the Mansfield Amoy area. He graduated from Union High School in 1947. Al served in the Army during the Korean war era. After his service, he worked at Tappan Appliance Company and co-operated Al and Ray’s Auto Service Station. He was an entrepreneur who owned coin laundries, commercial and residential rental properties, a car wash, and Wadley Investments. Albert drove a school bus for the Madison Local School District for 23 years.
Al was a Florida snowbird who enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and gathering with family and friends. Al split his time between Florida and Ohio. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchild at his Ohio home, “the Farm.” He loved to mark important life events by creating handwritten and dated signs. He was an active volunteer with his church and helped organize the Park Ave. First Church of God Annual Singing Christmas Tree and live nativity scene. He volunteered and participated in the 4-H program with his family. He was also a member of Venice Florida First Church of God.
Al’s numerous hobbies included aviation and antique cars. He was a member of various organizations that supported his interests, including the International Flying Farmers, the Mansfield Sports Car Club, and the Mansfield Aviation Club. He loved to stay in constant communication with his Union High School classmates.
Al was an avid pilot and a past president of the Mansfield Aviation Club. Flying his own private plane was one of his passions. He loved to give back to the aviation community by participating in the Young Eagles program, which provided young people with aviation experiences. He was active in organizing the annual Aviation Club pancake breakfast supporting the Young Eagles program. He enjoyed displaying his restored antique Farmall C and Model A Ford at the Richland County Fairgrounds, Lahm Airport and local car shows. Al was everyone’s friend, known by all as someone who could fix anything. His example of a hardworking and fully lived life is an enduring legacy.
Al is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann (Odenkirk) Wadley, to whom he was married on January 31, 1954, until her death August 30, 2017; Brother Donald Ellis Wadley, sister Norma Jean Baith and brother-in-law, Dr. James Ellis (Benita) Odenkirk.
He is survived by his second wife, Rosa Darlene Stoll, married September 18, 2024; three children, Stephen E. (Diana) Wadley, David H. (Amy) Wadley, and Mary Beth (Gerry) Cattaneo; five grandchildren, Dr. Alicia (Dan) Griffin, Andrea Cattaneo, Benjamin Wadley, Noah Wadley, and Grace Wadley; one great-grandchild, Cooper Griffin; and beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Albert passed Saturday, February 1, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Young Eagles | EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association https://www.eaa.org/eaa/support-eaa
Visitation will be 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd., 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Windsor Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com
Funeral Home: Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, Inc.
Website: info@wernergompf.com