Frederick Paul Mild, 87, of Shenango Township passed away on December 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Fred was born in Bethel (West Middlesex), PA, on May 16, 1937, the only child of Fred C. Mild and Alice V. Mild. He was a lifelong resident of West Middlesex, graduating from West Middlesex High School in 1955.  Fred was one of the Fab Five from the West Middlesex High School 1954 State Championship Basketball Team, earning him induction to the West Middlesex Athletic Hall of Fame along with the other members of the Fab Five. He and his family were very PROUD!!!

Fred married the love of his life, Helen (Gearhart) Mild, on October 17, 1959, celebrating 65 years of love and devotion.  Together they raised six children, Lori (Gregg) Dogan; Troy (Shelley) Mild, Sr., Linn (Cheryl) Mild, Craig (Toni) Mild, Brad (Tammy) Mild, and Chad (Trinda) Mild.  He was the proud papa of 14 grandchildren, Troy (Mary) Mild, Jr., Courtney (Clarence) Clark, Dylan (Kristen) Mild, Allison (AJ) Barris, Matthew (Ashley) Dogan, Ryan Dogan, Delaney Dogan, Madison (Jeremy) Branca, Grace Mild, Emma Mild, Gabe Mild, Luke Mild, Sloan Mild, Casey Mild and his fiancé, Anna Rubaker, along with 10 great-grandchildren.

Fred drove for Chadderton Trucking, Sharon, retiring after 45 years of service earning numerous driver safety awards. For the majority of his career, he owned and operated his own truck under contract with Chadderton and was a member of Teamsters Local 261, New Castle.

He was an avid sports fan, especially of the West Middlesex Big Reds!  Fred traveled all over Pennsylvania and Ohio, or anywhere his children or grandchildren were playing, to watch and cheer them on at their many games, matches, or events.

He was a fixture at the Little League fields where he coached the Matsko Cubs Little League team and the West Middlesex Little League All-Star Team, which won the Mercer County League Championship in 1977.  He also coached American Legion baseball teams for many years. Fred enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren playing baseball at the Sam Sweesy Field and VFW Complex, softball at the Richard Kritz softball complex, and Big Red Volleyball at the High School.

He was instrumental in the building of the original West Middlesex Football Field, hauling all of the grass seed, sod, and other materials needed for completion of the field.

Fred made many hunting trips to Wyoming and fishing trips to Kipawa in Quebec, Canada, with his father-in-law, William S. Gearhart, Sr.

Even though he is gone and will be truly missed by his family, Fred's presence and voice will forever echo in the gyms throughout Mercer County, the PSAC, and especially the Big Red gymnasium!!

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his in-laws, William S. Gearhart, Sr. and Celia U. Gearhart; and many beloved cousins.

In closing, Fred, Dad, and Papa, as he was fondly called, was so loved and admired by his FAMILY and they will be forever grateful for his endless love and all he did to provide and care for them. Rest Easy Dad, we are all here for Mom, and we know you are CHEERING us on eternally.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours.

A celebration of his life will be held privately by the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.