1938 – 2015

WEST GARDINER — Jeffrey Fitzherbert Wade passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, while in the caring hands of the Togus VA Hospice Unit.

He was born on Nov. 4, 1938, in Norway, the eldest son of Geneva and Lee Wade. He joined the Air Force in 1958 and spent most of his military career in Europe.

Jeff was fortunate in many ways. He was deeply loved by his wife, Anita, to whom he was married for 45 years. For work, he was able to pursue his profession in two areas that he loved — music and computers.

Inspired by his love of jazz music, Jeff began his career in music as a disc jockey and radio voice for several local radio stations. An accomplished saxophonist, flutist and clarinet player, he was a very talented musician. His musical career gave him the opportunity to play with various jazz ensembles throughout the states of Maine and New Hampshire.

Jeff also worked in information technology for 30 plus years before he retired. His IT positions spanned from computer programming to software development as well as a trainer for specialized software.

Jeff was predeceased by his mother and father; as well as his aunts, Amy Packard and Gladys Richard; and uncle, George Wade.

He is survived by his wife, Anita (Descoteaux) Wade of West Gardiner; daughter, Michelle Merrill and her husband, Fred, of West Gardiner; granddaughters, Kate Merrill and her husband, Andrew Sanni, of Shutesbury, Mass., Sarah Merrill and her partner, Michael Lovaglio, and great-grandson, Quincy, all of West Gardiner; and sister-in-law, Sr. Claire Descoteaux, OP of Sabattus. He is also survived by one brother, Kimball and his wife, Carol, of Bar Harbor; and nephews, Jeffery Wade and family of Washington State, Scott Wade and family of Hermon, Aaron Wade and family of Alabama and Christopher Wade and family of South Carolina; as well as three cousins, Alberta Cope of Dresden, Judy Kenney of Woolwich and Ranee Pease of Florida.

The family would like to give special thanks to VA staff, Dr. Jim Schneid, Deb O’Neill, RN and the staff of Togus Springs and Patriot Place for their care, support and compassion during this difficult time.