Vaughn F. Friday

Vaughn F. Friday, age 72, of Fitchburg, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Crossroads Care in Mayville. He was born on Oct. 17, 1948 at Madison General Hospital, the son of John and Edythe Friday. He grew up in Madison’s Vilas Park neighborhood where he went to Longfellow grade school. He attended Central High and Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam but would graduate from Monona Grove in 1967. Vaughn worked at the family business, Andrae Automotive, where he gained his knowledge and love of cars. After high school, Vaughn attended the Wisconsin School of Electronics and achieved a 2-year degree. He would open his own HI-FI stereo company and become well-known for selling equipment that was sure to impress. He would later use his electronic mastery at WISM radio station, WI State Patrol Radio Shop and General Communications. A severe auto accident in 1999 left him with life-threatening injuries. He was determined to survive and although he would be wheelchair bound for life, he was a living miracle. Vaughn had a strict routine that kept his mind and body alert. He started every afternoon off with a fruit plater from the Sun Prairie Diner and worked out at the Princeton Club, where he was one of the strongest handicap men they had ever seen. His strength, mental perseverance, and witty humor were admirable and an inspiration to everyone around him. Vaughn loved music, his favorites being rock, soul, and blues. His nickname was Grabber, after his favorite candy apple-red Grabber Maverick. He loved his vehicles and always made sure they had the top of the line stereo systems so he could blare Johnny Lee Hooker or Bob Marley while he swayed in his chair. Vaughn also loved NASCAR, WWE, and Westerns. He was married and became a father in 1975. Although his marriage only lasted a few years, he would gain an extended family that he would love and celebrate holidays with. He was stubborn, but a real people person who loved hard and made everyone feel welcome. Vaughn will be deeply missed by his friends and family. He was proceeded in death by his parents John and Edythe Friday. He is survived by his daughter Becki, 2 granddaughters: Alex and Charlee and Brother John (Ursula), Cousins: Dee Dee & Massimo, David and Debbie and their children Rich, Monica and Calvin, Richard & Alice, LaDora and children Daniel and David. A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to the Covid-19 Virus. PLEASE WEAR A MASK!