Obituary of Michael Charles Wadsworth

Michael Charles “Mike” Wadsworth passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his residence in Winter Haven, FL. Michael was born in Kissimmee, FL on December 13, 1952, and was adopted as an infant by John R. Wadsworth, Jr., and Edna R. Wadsworth. Michael was raised in Haines City, FL with his younger sister Kathleen (Kathy) and enjoyed boating, fishing, and water-skiing on Lake Eva throughout his childhood. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Life scout. Michael was a gifted musician and played the organ at St. Ann’s Catholic church for many years. Upon retirement, he moved to Winter Haven and was active in the Knights of Columbus Council activities at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and was a past treasurer.

Michael attended St. Joseph’s School in Winter Haven and graduated from Haines City High School in 1971. He was a hard worker as a teenager and worked part-time at Ray’s Restaurant and Western Auto Hardware. His early jobs supported his life-long love of cars. As a teenager he often joined his father on the job and learned the family house moving business, J. R. Wadsworth & Son, eventually taking over the business in 1989. Michael originally considered a medical career and graduated from Polk Center Vocational Technical School as an operating room technician in 1977. But just as his father had taken over the business from his father due to medical issues, Michael also stepped in and continued the business after his father could no longer do so, becoming the third generation to carry it forward for over 50 years and to take his place as the “and son.”

Michael is survived by his daughters Christi Wadsworth of Winchester, TN, Amber DiBiasie and her husband Daniel of Auburndale, FL and Jennifer Wadsworth of Orlando, FL; grandsons Anthony and Gavin DiBiasie; sister Kathleen Wadsworth Puckett and her husband Phil of Springfield, VA; nephews Matthew Puckett, Jameson Puckett and niece Sarah Bergeron.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 532 Avenue M, NW, Winter Haven, on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 11am immediately followed by a graveside service at Forest Hill Cemetery, 2646 E. Grace Avenue, Haines City, where Michael will join his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles in eternal rest.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared.