Henry F. Wrede, a beloved father, grandfather, and longtime resident of Pittstown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. He was a man who cherished his family, his friendships, and the beauty of the farm he called home, where he enjoyed a life deeply connected to the land and the simple pleasures it provided.

Henry was born in Newark, NJ, June 21, 1937, the son of Fritz Wrede and Erika Wrede, nee Dinse, both German immigrants.  Henry lived in East Orange, NJ, then later moved to Livingston, NJ in 1941.  He spent his elementary school years and attended Junior High School in Livingston, NJ, then went on to Grover Cleveland High School in Caldwell,NJ, from which he graduated in 1955.  He then joined the NJ National Guard, W. Orange armored division, to serve his military commitment.  Henry went on to SUNY Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute and graduated with a degree in horticulture and landscape design. 

Henry soon married and raised a family in Millington, New Jersey.  He worked for a local landscape contracting business and the Morris County Park Commission (Jockey Hollow), and soon started his own business, which was a great success for many decades.  He ran that business until he was in his mid 80’s.  

Henry was an expert in horticulture, and started a farm in Pittstown, NJ, where he grew and cultivated nursery stock.  He was recognized as a talented landscape architect, and his beautiful designs can be seen all over Livingston, Short Hills, and surrounding areas in New Jersey.  His main attribute was perfection in design and workmanship.  His early customers were so pleased with his work that over the years, he often designed for their children and grandchildren, as well.  

Henry will be remembered as an incredible storyteller whose remarkable attention to detail brought every memory and adventure vividly to life. Whether recounting family history, sharing tales from his travels, or reliving day to day moments - he had an incredible gift for captivating his audience.  

His greatest joy in life ahead of his love of gardening and landscape architecture was his family and friends - especially his grandchildren.  He treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, creating memories filled with laughter, “unfiltered” wisdom, and a love that they will carry with them forever.

A lifelong traveler, he found particular joy exploring the beauty, history, and culture of Europe. At home, his passion for classic automobiles was unmistakable. He proudly maintained a small collection of vintage Cadillacs, each reflecting his appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless style. In recent years, his new favorite automobile was his vibrant orange Mustang GT convertible, which he continued to drive with pride and enthusiasm well into his late eighties - a fitting symbol of his adventurous spirit and zest for life.  

Henry F. Wrede is survived by his brother, Harold F. Wrede and his wife Martha, of Oldwick, New Jersey; his son, Kenneth H. Wrede and his wife, Lorraine, of Pittstown, New Jersey; his daughter, Lauren Wrede Crowell-Nugent of Phillipsburg, New Jersey; his son, Douglas M. Wrede and his partner, Michelle Gaffney, of Easton, Pennsylvania; his former daughter-in-law and friend, Barbara Gulick and her husband, Dan, of Stewartsville, New Jersey; his beloved grandchildren, Paige Tepke and her husband, Charlie Ross, Douglas J. Wrede and his wife, Katie, Jennifer Wrede, Nolan Tepke, Jason Wrede, Ashley Wrede, and Noah Marsh; his nephews, Paul Wrede (Cathy) and their children, Michael, Phillip, and Charlie; and Peter Wrede (Sheila) and their children, Andrew, Thomas, and Heidi.

He was predeceased by his parents, Erika and Fritz Wrede; his beloved daughter, Christine D. Tepke; and his former wife, Virginia Wrede.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd from 10-11:30am at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham followed by a celebrant service at 11:30am in the funeral home. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hunterdon Land Trust, “protecting the places you love” and in keeping with Henry’s ultimate love of land conservation.   https://www.hunterdonlandtrust.org/ways-to-give/