He was the husband of Darlene M. (Yohn) Barto
Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Frederick C. and Ethel M. (Cowles) Wadlinger
He was employed as a project manager and design engineer with Ayden Displays from 1997 to 2021. He was lastly employed by Micro Coax from August 2021 until retiring in March 2025.
He was a graduate of the Hill School, Pottstown and then attended Princeton University before he enlisted in the Navy. He was a Navy veteran of Desert Storm and was a Hospital Corpsman with the US Navy from 1987-1995. He also received his certificate for Field Medical Technique from the Commandment of the US Marine Corps. He was a Divemaster having received his certification in Diver Medic Training and Emergency Medical Procedures.
An aviation enthusiast, he loved his time flying planes. He loved tinkering around the house, working in his home woodshop, and was a master Dungeon and Dragon player. He was a great provider for his family, who he cherished the most. A man of profound intelligence who will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.
A lover of learning, he received his Masters Degree in Business Administration from St. Joseph University. He then went on to Excelsior University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, with a concentration in Biology in 1993. Still wanting to learn more, he went on to St. Joseph University where he completed his Masters Degree in Health Care Administration/Management in 1997. He then received his Master of Art degree in Counseling/Psychology from Alvernia University in 2009. Rounding out his extensive educational pursuit he completed his graduate level certification in Project Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2023.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Allison Barto of Queens, NY. Also surviving are his sisters, Heidi Wadlinger of Duncansville and AletaAnn, wife of Joseph Sultana, III of Bainbridge. He is also survived by his nieces, Marie “Izzie” Schrantz, Madison R. Wadlinger and Piper S. Wadlinger. Also surviving is his nephew, Frederick J. Sultana.
An animal lover, along with his wife, they spent years rescuing/fostering animals looking for permanent homes. He is additionally survived by his beloved fur babies: his Great Dane Freya and his cats, Mama, Honey, Baby Loki, Oreo and Odin.
A Celebration of Fred’s remarkable life will be held at a later date. This website will be updated when scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions in his memory to either the Animal Rescue League, 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, Pa. 19508 or to Berks Humane (Berks County Humane Society) at 1729 N. 11th Street, Reading, Pa. 19604
