Frederick Richard Wells Sr.

Frederick Richard Wells, Sr., Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Coach, and Friend passed away on November 27, 2020 at the young age of 49, while surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Gerrie, and adored by his four children Alexa, Chase, Frederick Jr, and Cassidy.  He was preceded in death by his Aunt Pat Boyes, older siblings Danny and Darlene; survived by siblings Dave Wells and Pete (Aimee) Paugh, and, most importantly, survived childhood mischief with his brothers Jim (Sonia) and Shane (Teresa).  Fred loved his parents dearly, Jim (Midge, deceased) Wells Sr, and Barbara (Pete, deceased) Paugh; cherished his nieces, nephews; and tenderly cradled our family’s youngest members.

He was a devoted family man, who put his loved ones above all else whether that was on the field or at home working and tinkering on cars; and, starting, but rarely finishing various projects in his garage.  Much to the dismay of his wife.

He was born in Akron, Ohio, attended Woodridge schools but graduated from Stow-Munroe Falls High School.  As an adult, he chose a new challenge by enrolling in Kent State University’s Visual Communications and Graphic Design program.  Somehow, he managed to juggle raising his 4 peeps and while earning top honors.  As busy as he was, he was the hands-on-parent, a role he took seriously, even when he became sick.

If you asked him what else he was passionate about, he would say its’ coaching his kids’ baseball teams, but mostly, being an umpire for the local baseball leagues.  It was through coaching and umping did he really start to discover his niche.  On and off the field, he met more friends with his talkative, jovial, and lighthearted demeanor.

He loved open cart racing, riding his motorcycle, but did not like swimming in the ocean.  Hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing were staple family activities that we will sadly miss sharing with him.  Dad’s “roughing it” style of camping vacations will be lovingly remembered and cherished.  Our campfire tales will forever be less colorful and animated.  And, our family adventures will be tame compared to when we took the mountain roads barely traveled and when we went in search of bears and the elusive Bigfoot.

As Christmas approaches, our sugar cookies will taste a little less sweet as we get a bit teary when we reminisce on how our darling Dad was the tireless baker, who, yearly, makes dozens upon dozens of Christmas cookies strictly sticking to Great-Grandma Mary’s secret family recipes.  Sparingly, he would share his bounty with us because he needed to leave a heaping plate of cookies just for Santa.

The Wells family would like to thank our many dear friends for your heartfelt sympathies.  Your loving support has given us the strength to carry on step by step, day by day, and truly enjoy the memories we have of our Dad with more smiles, laughter, and a little less tears and heartache.

Of course, the Wells family would like to thank the caring and dedicated doctors, nurses, pastors, and staff at the Western Reserve Hospital’s Oncology and Infusion Center, Summa Hospital’s Palliative and Oncology wings, Cooper Cancer Center’s Palliative Care Team, and Summa Hospice Care for their unending patience and commitment to their patient.  They have made our family’s heartbreak bearable and our beloved’s cross a little lighter.  We are forever grateful.  Cancer SUCKS!

Cremation has already taken place, but Fred’s family will still hold a Memorial on Saturday, December 19, 2020, calling hours starting at 10:00 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m. at Stow Community United Church, 1567 Pilgrim Drive, Stow, led by Pastor Jim Case.  After service, his family will gather downstairs in the church’s big dining hall for some hot beverage.  Friends are welcome to join.  If you’ve sworn an oath of solitude until this pestilence is purged from the lands, we understand and we thank you for your loving condolences.