Frederic H. Hollingworth

Frederic “Fred” Howard Hollingworth, 47, a citizen of the world, passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 PM, Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Ehrler Ranch Special Event Barn, 11866 W. Chetlain Lane, Galena, IL. Please come to share any stories or memories of Fred as we mourn his passing.  The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. Frederic will be remembered by his friends and family as an adventurous, caring, hard-working, and loving person. He was born on September 13, 1976, in Galena, and from the very start, he was an outdoorsman. He, his grandpa, Howard, and his friends would spend countless hours fishing, hunting, and exploring along the Galena River. Summers were spent camping and fishing with his family throughout the Great Lakes.  Growing up, he was the proudest of big brothers and was known to have named his little brother, Charlie. Over the years, family evenings involved fierce rounds of cards, during which his mom, Suzanne, imbued in Frederic a competitive spirit that carried over to his love of chess. As they grew up, the brothers were best of friends, with Frederic charting the course and inviting Charlie on each of his adventures. Frederic was a varsity letterman in baseball, basketball, and track at Galena High School and a proud member of the class of ‘94. At this time, he developed a deep and enduring love of music. He played the trombone in the high school concert and marching bands and taught himself acoustic guitar. From that point on, he was hooked. He played with bands on multiple continents and loved the camaraderie of playing music with others. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and eventually became a distinguished Eagle Scout in the Blackhawk Council. As a Boy Scout, he attended the National Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA, participated in sailing adventures with his dad, Fred, at the Florida Sea Base in Islamorada, FL, and took multiple trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM, once roughing it on the Trail Crew for the entire summer of ‘92. He would eventually work summers at the Florida Sea Base and develop lifelong friendships with the other counselors. He earned a B.S. in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University and an M.A. in Education from Prescott College. While at IWU, he was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and led annual trips with friends and family to Mardi Gras. During the summers he worked with his aunt, Martha, and brother at Four Mounds Summer Day Camp and eventually became the Camp Director. Every chance he could, he was mountaineering, ice/rock climbing, and enjoying the mountains with his friends and family. Frederic taught biology for four years at Hempstead High School, Dubuque, IA, and created an oceanography course in which he led two classes of students on weeklong learning expeditions to the Florida Keys. Being bilingual, he then accepted a teaching position at the American School in Paraguay, eventually teaching in Bolivia and Colombia. He loved the culture and people of South America, but the beauty of the ecosystems and mountain ranges there became his true passion. The next eleven years were spent traversing the continent, as he had finally found his piece of the world. While in Colombia, he met his wife Carolina, and was instantly in love with her and her family. They had a mutual love of science, music, dancing, scuba diving, and travel, sharing trips throughout the Americas and Caribbean. He eventually stopped teaching and became a serial entrepreneur, translating his skills as an educator to investing, photography, recruiting, and sales.  Frederic had a passion for life and endless ambition. He will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. He is survived by his wife Carolina, father Fred (partner Hope), brother Charlie (wife Jessica), aunt Martha, aunt Betty, uncle Phil (wife Mary), Uncle Steve (wife Ann), and multiple cousins. Frederic was preceded in death by his mother, Suzanne, maternal grandparents (Howard and Eileen), and paternal grandparents (Fred and Betty). 

24 thoughts on “Frederic H. Hollingworth

  1. Anonymous Reply

    Lots of love to the family. I will miss that wonderful smile, that Fred greeted me with every time we met up.

  2. Bonnie Cox Reply

    Sending love and sympathy to all who loved Frederick. He was such a gentle, loving, and caring man; the likes of which the world so sorely needs and will miss.

    Sincerely,
    Bonnie

  3. Mandy Zieser (Green) Reply

    My deepest condolences to the family. I knew both brothers through school. Fred was one of the kindest people I’ve met. Thinking of you all and keeping you in my thoughts.

  4. Emily McCoy Jelinek Reply

    My condolences to the Hollingworth family. Fred was an incredibly kind person with a gentle soul. He always had a big smile and an encouraging word to share. What a beautiful tribute to his life and the impact he had on the world! May he rest in peace.

  5. Maureen Shepherd Reply

    Fred. I was so sorry to learn of Fred ‘s passing. He was definitely one of the good guys.

  6. Donna J. Schleicher Reply

    I am so sorry to hear of Frederic. Even though I did not know him well or spend a lot of time with him, when I did, I always found him to have such a great passion for family, life and people in general. We need more people like Frederic in this world today. My deepest condolences and may he find peace and happiness in the loving arms of his mom, grandparents and relatives that have made that final journey before him.

    Donna McCarthy-Schleicher

  7. Mike and Deb Hyland Reply

    So sorry to hear about the passing of such a wonderful young man. Frederic had so much passion for so many different things, and his mind held an amazing amount of knowledge in various subjects – a mind like that simply can’t be replaced. Added to that, he was a personable and kind man – one who you could easily converse with – an instantly likable guy. Our hearts go out to you at his loss. May you find comfort in the many memories you share of him, both within your family and with others who knew him.
    In friendship – Mike and Deb Hyland

  8. Karla Weber Reply

    So sorry for your loss. I taught with Fred at Hempstead and enjoyed his snorkeling, science trips to the Keys as a chaperone. 🙏 to all.

  9. Tina Soat class of 1994 Reply

    So sorry for your loss my condolences to u and your family

  10. Pat McCarthy Reply

    I am so sorry to hear about Frederick. He was a great American. Sorry to miss the service but I will be out of town. Please know that you guys are in our thoughts.

  11. Bill Seiffert Reply

    Dear Fred Sr. I was saddened to learn of the death of your son. He was an incredibly accomplished person and lived a fully engaged life. I did not get to know him well during his short time at Hempstead. Nevertheless, please accept my condolences. I can’t imagine how deeply hurt you must be. Best wishes to you and your entire family.

  12. Lacey Al & Linda Reply

    Our heartfelt shared grief for the loss of a beautiful, bright, creative and charismatic soul, like which we’ll never know again.

  13. Andy Wible Reply

    Fred as a fundamental part of my life in college. He was warm, friendly, and always positive. Although I hadn’t seen or talked to Fred in years, I liked knowing he was out there, brightening the lives of those around him. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing.

  14. Anonymous Reply

    Fred and family I am very sorry for your loss.

    Jesse Green
    Minneapolis, Minnesota

  15. Karri wubben-McCarthy Reply

    Fred was a great friend in high school. Had a great heart and just a great person. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

  16. Ysabel Meek Reply

    I am sorry for your lost. Fred was a great friend. I had the privilege of knowing him for my brother who is a biologist in Colombia and had beautiful memories of him.
    Rest in peace and he will always be remembered.

  17. Juani Aguirre Martinez. American school of Asuncion, Paraguay Reply

    My sincere condolences to the whole family. He was a very nice man.

  18. Jon & Alice Davis Reply

    Fred and Charlie, our condolences to you and yours as you mourn the loss of Frederic. He was really an accomplished person.

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