Monday, September 14, 2026
Walter Emery Wadsworth, a 1964 University of Florida construction graduate who helped shape Florida’s construction industry during a career spanning more than five decades, died peacefully July 1 at age 84.
Known affectionately as “Walt,” his legacy at UF extends well beyond his own time as a student. His son, Wayne Wadsworth, graduated from the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management in 1989, and his grandson, Weston Wadsworth, followed in 2021. Together, three generations of the Wadsworth family have graduated from Rinker, creating a family connection to the school that spans more than six decades.
After graduating from UF in 1964 with a degree in building construction, Wadsworth began his career with Wiggs and Maale Construction Inc. He spent nine years with the company, eventually serving as chief estimator and secretary treasurer before partnering with a French company to establish Wadsworth & Sabrice.
The company became a successful construction firm throughout Florida, and Wadsworth continued to build on that success throughout his career. In 1968, he became one of the first state licensed general contractors in Florida, receiving license No. 185.
Wadsworth later owned or co owned two other construction companies, building high rise apartment buildings, schools and other public buildings. His career culminated with his retirement from Padula and Wadsworth Construction Company in Pompano Beach.
He was an active member of the Associated General Contractors of America and served as president of its East Coast Chapter of Florida.
Wadsworth remained a lifelong Gator and was especially passionate about Gator football. He was also a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and The Order of the Last Krewe Leadership Fraternity.
His competitive spirit extended beyond his professional life. Wadsworth participated in triathlons and marathons and enjoyed boating, skiing and tennis. He and his wife, Deborah, traveled extensively during his later years, and he found time for watercolor painting, which he shared with family members.
Born Sept. 15, 1941, in Hartford, Connecticut, Wadsworth was the middle son of James T. and Elizabeth Ann Donahoe Wadsworth. His family moved to South Florida when he was 6. He graduated from St. Ann’s High School in West Palm Beach in 1959, where he excelled in baseball and was part of an American Legion state championship team.
At 17, Wadsworth joined the Marine Corps and served honorably for eight years in active duty and the reserves.
He was also deeply proud of his Wadsworth heritage. He was a direct descendant of Capt. James Wadsworth, who gained historical recognition for hiding the Connecticut Charter from the British Army in an oak tree. The event became part of Connecticut history and is memorialized on the state’s quarter as the Charter Oak.
Wadsworth was a longtime member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church and the Brothers of St. Gregory’s. He also supported numerous charitable causes.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deborah Holmes Wadsworth; his children, Wayne Eddy Wadsworth, Walker Earl Wadsworth and Winter Elizabeth Wadsworth; seven grandchildren, including Weston Wadsworth; nieces Laura and Lisa Wadsworth; and nephews Cord and Gable Wadsworth. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jay and Joel Wadsworth.
Above all, Wadsworth was devoted to his family and took great pride in them. His professional legacy lives on through the buildings he helped construct, while his Rinker legacy continues through the son and grandson who followed him through the doors of the school.
A celebration of Wadsworth’s life will be held at a later date. The family will provide details once they are finalized. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation in Walt’s name.