Wirt R. Fladd

Rear Admiral Wirt Ross Fladd (Ret.), 85, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, in Arizona. A native of Rochester, New York, Wirt was born to Harold J. and Grace E. Fladd. He grew up spending summers on Canandaigua Lake with his brother Fred, and it is there where he met his future wife, Valerie Vaisey. He graduated from Brighton High School in 1958. He attended Duke University before returning to Rochester and graduating from the University of Rochester in 1963, with a degree in Business Administration. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School in February 1964, he was commissioned an Ensign.

Rear Admiral Fladd served with distinction in the U.S. Navy for 33 years, including sea duty aboard USS LENAWEE (APA-195), USS FLETCHER (DD-445), and USS TAYLOR (DD-468), and the USS VANCOUVER (LPD-2). He commanded USS FLOYD COUNTY (LST-762), USS TACOMA (PG-92), USS BEAUFORT (ATS-2), USS FREDERICK (LST-1184), USS DENVER (LPD-9), culminating with USS TARAWA (LHA-1). His shore assignments included the U.S. Naval War College, the Naval Military Personnel Command, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management and Personnel. Promoted to rear admiral in 1992, he later commanded U.S. South Atlantic Force and Amphibious Group Two before retiring in 1997.

For his exemplary leadership and valor, Rear Admiral Fladd received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat "V," Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," Combat Action Ribbon, and numerous campaign and unit awards.

Wirt remained a loyal fan of the Duke Blue Devils, San Diego Padres, and “San Diego” Chargers. He enjoyed playing golf, going to Spring Training, and especially being Colson’s “Papa.” Although preferring to talk with a person instead of using text or email, anyone calling his cell phone likely got “Wirt’s on the move…”

Wirt is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Valerie, his daughter Cara, his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Russ, and grandson Colson and his wife McKinley.

Wirt’s service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery on August 25, 2026, at 1:00 pm.