WADGINSKI FRANCIS A

1LT Francis "Ski" A. Wadginski was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/23/2018 at the age of 71.3
Redding, CA
Flight Class 70-46
Date of Birth 03/09/1947
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 132 ASHC, 178 ASHC
Call sign in Vietnam HERCULES 13
This information was provided by obit

More detail on this person: Francis Wadginski, known by most as "Ski," passed away June 23, 2018, at the age of 71. Born in Quantico, Virginia March 9,1947 to a military family, Ski spent time in places including: China, California, and Maryland. After graduating high school, he voluntarily enlisted to serve during the Vietnam War and became an Army helicopter pilot. Following the war, he pursued a degree at The University of New Mexico Albuquerque in criminal justice. He later moved to California where he became a Parole agent, married his wife, and served in Redding until he retired in 2005. Though his love for flying endured, he enjoyed tennis, photography, coaching soccer, motorcycles, ministry, and above all being a dad. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon, sons John, Chris(Christina), and Kenny(Melanie), 4 Grandchildren, and 1 puppy(Peanut). A Celebration of Ski's Life will be held at 10 am, on Saturday, July 14th, at the Lawncrest Chapel 1522 E Cypress Ave, in Redding. Please join us in sharing stories and honoring a great husband, father, friend, and veteran. Please sign the guestbook at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/redding/ Published in Redding Record Searchlight on July 8, 2018 Francis Wadginski, known by most as "Ski," passed away June 23, 2018, at the age of 71. Born in Quantico, Virginia March 9,1947 to a military family, Ski spent time in places including: China, California, and Maryland. After graduating high school, he voluntarily enlisted to serve during the Vietnam War and became an Army helicopter pilot. Following the war, he pursued a degree at The University of New Mexico Albuquerque in criminal justice. He later moved to California where he became a Parole agent, married his wife, and served in Redding until he retired in 2005. Though his love for flying endured, he enjoyed tennis, photography, coaching soccer, motorcycles, ministry, and above all being a dad. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon, sons John, Chris(Christina), and Kenny(Melanie), 4 Grandchildren, and 1 puppy(Peanut). A Celebration of Ski's Life will be held at 10 am, on Saturday, July 14th, at the Lawncrest Chapel 1522 E Cypress Ave, in Redding.

This information was last updated 08/22/2018

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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025