Frederick M. Carlisle, a longtime Milford resident, U.S. Army veteran, dedicated school district employee and active church member, passed away peacefully at his home on June 2, 2026. He was 76.
Born and raised in Milford, Carlisle was the son of the late Norman R. Carlisle and Alice Christopoulos Carlisle. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era and received an honorable discharge following four years of military service.
Carlisle spent more than two decades serving the Milford School District as head custodian before retiring. Following his retirement, he continued serving the community through maintenance work with the Milford Police Department. He was also known for his volunteer efforts with local food banks and pantry programs assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.
An active member of Milford Church of the Nazarene, Carlisle served as a youth minister and was committed to supporting young people in the congregation. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball and soccer, while later in life he developed a passion for crafting.
In addition to his parents, Carlisle was preceded in death by his grandson, Shawn Carlisle, and his sister, Diana Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Wanda Ellingsworth Carlisle; his children, Michael Carlisle and Jaime Cantu and her husband, Juan; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; eight siblings; his mother-in-law, Eleanor Ellingsworth; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
The family has chosen a private burial with military honors at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or online through the organization’s website. The family expressed gratitude to the Delaware Hospice staff for the care and support that allowed Carlisle to remain at home during his final days.
