Frederick Wiley Vollrath

Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon Morgan Vollrath and his three children: Morgan Wiley (Julia), Derick Roberson (Perla), and Aubrey Eileen (Robb), his granddaughter Olivia, and his sister, Jean Nicholas (Lenny). He was preceded in death by his parents Eleanor and Rudolph Vollrath and his parents-in-law Hazel and Jack Morgan.

Fred was born on D Day, June 6, 1944, in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his family moved to Indian Rocks Beach, and he attended Anona Elementary School and Largo High School. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Journalism. He was also in Army ROTC there and was a commissioned officer upon graduation.

Through a series of strange twists of fate, he never received his orders for Vietnam and spent his military service at Ft. Bragg, where he was the Post Information Officer. He thoroughly enjoyed that experience and it was something about which he often reminisced.

After his military service, he returned to the University of Florida and obtained his law degree in 1973. He worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Pasco County, but ultimately moved to Tampa and became an Assistant Public Defender. That was truly his favorite time in the legal world and he practiced with many other fine attorneys. Fred was unconventional in many respects, and that served him well in the practice of law.

He entered private practice in 1983, and he actually was still practicing right until being taken ill. His last appellate brief was filed on July 30, 2024.

In 1977, Fred married Sharon Morgan and their first child, Morgan, was born in 1983. Derick followed in 1985 on Fred’s birthday, June 6th. And Aubrey arrived in 1991 – the apple of her daddy’s eye. His children remember him as a kind and loving father who encouraged them in their various pursuits, and only wanted them to be happy.

After his love of family, Fred had three passions:

First, was his love of travel. He first went to England in 1978 with Sharon and met her extended family. That was the first of many trips, an often with all of the children. He and Sharon also traveled extensively all over Europe, Egypt, China, South America where he fell in love with Argentina, and Japan. Fred and Morgan spent a month in Russia traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railroad to Vladivostok and then down to China. He and Aubrey spent a month in Germany for his 70th birthday. In later life, after the onset of his FSHD, a form of muscular dystrophy, he and Sharon cruised the world. This year was a trans-Atlantic cruise to Barcelona, and last year was a trans-Pacific cruise to Japan.

Second, was his love of good food. Fred was a fairly frugal individual, but if it was a fine meal, the cost did not matter. He and Sharon had many exquisite repasts in Spain, France, Tokyo, Beijing, London, and Walt Disney World. And sometimes, a simple picnic on the side of the road to watch the Tour de France was the ultimate gastronomic fare. Good food, good wine, and good people was his motto.

Lastly, was his passion for photography, and he took pictures from all over the world. He photographed everything – people, places, things, flora and fauna. He was very talented and had a real eye for composition.

A graveside funeral is scheduled for 10 AM on August 12, 2024, at Bushnell National Cemetery. A reception will follow at Fred’s home on Sandpiper Road. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Fred’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wounded Warriors at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.