George E. Wade

George E. Wade, 86, of Chesterfield passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. George was born on August 13, 1937, the son of the late George and Alice (Bangs) Wade. He was raised in Northampton and attended school locally. George served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army, serving in Korea. Following his military service, he began working as a truck driver, employed by Packaging Corporation of America for many years and retiring in 2003. George served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Chesterfield Fire Department for many years. He was a founding member of the Chesterfield Four Seasons Club and previously a member of the Northampton Moose Lodge. In his day, George was known as a crazy bastard, routinely hydroplaning his snowmobile at least halfway across Westfield River at Indian Hollow. George worked hard every day of his life supporting his family while remaining equally prepared to join the party or lend a helping hand to anyone that asked. George is survived by his loving wife Ruth (Wickland) Wade of Chesterfield, his devoted children Jennifer Wade of Williamsburg, MA, Darlene Wade-Evans of Manassas, VA (husband Forrest Evans), and George Wade Jr. of Goshen, MA, (wife Shannon Smith), daughter-in-law Michele Wade of Angier, NC, his sister Karen Umstot, and his brothers Clifford Bigelow, Steven Bigelow, and Mark Bigelow, as well as 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. George was sadly predeceased by his parents, his son Roger Wade, his brothers Arthur Wade, David Wade, Thomas Wade, and his sisters Jackie Pierce, and June Hoyt. CALLING HOURS WILL BE TUESDAY AT THE AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON FROM 4:00 TO 6:00 P.M. A FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT THE FUNERAL HOME ON WEDNESDAY AT 11:00 A.M. FOLLOWED BY BURIAL (TENTATIVELY) IN CENTER CEMETERY, NORTH RD., CHESTERFIELD. The family kindly asks that flowers be omitted (family allergy) and donations be made in George’s name to the Chesterfield Volunteer Fire Department or Highland Ambulance EMS, Inc.