Frederick “Sonny” Wyatt Jr., a longtime Harrington Fire Company member, Army National Guard veteran, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills, Florida. He was 83.
Wyatt was surrounded by his family, including his daughter, Jennie, who lovingly cared for him during his final days.
Born March 1, 1943, at Milford Memorial Hospital, Wyatt was the son of the late Frederick Wyatt Sr. and Anna Louise Wyatt. Raised in Harrington, he graduated from Harrington High School before marrying his wife, Joann Liska, on Oct. 11, 1965, in Burrisville, Maryland.
He proudly served six years in the Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Buck Sergeant. Following his military service, Wyatt worked as a plumber for Joseph T. Richardson, later drove for Modern Gas of Harrington, and retired after many years with Tilcon.
Wyatt dedicated more than 60 years to the Harrington Fire Company, joining the organization in November 1961. During his years of service, he also served as president of the Delaware State Kent County Fire Police Association before retiring from active Fire Police service in 2011.
A man of deep Christian faith, Wyatt remained committed to worship throughout his life, faithfully watching church services from home and taking notes on each message after he was no longer able to attend in person.
In his spare time, Wyatt enjoyed collecting Hess trucks, antique automobiles, Matchbox cars, and fire service memorabilia. He was also a lifelong fan of country music, Elvis Presley, and the music of the 1950s and 1960s. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joann Wyatt, his parents, and his brother, Jay Wyatt.
Wyatt is survived by his son, Frederick Wyatt III and his wife, Tamilyn, of Harrington; daughters Jennie Saunders and her husband, Jason, of Florida, Lori Ann Gemmill and her husband, Danny, of Dover, and Shauna Beyer and her husband, Daniel, of Harrington; brothers Charles “Leroy” Wyatt and his wife, Joanne, of Hurlock, Maryland, Gary Wyatt and his wife, Donna, of Greenwood, John Wyatt and his wife, Debbie, of New Jersey, and Rick Wyatt and his wife, Rose, of Pennsylvania; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrington Fire Company.
