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James Aldrich Obituary
NEW SALEM, MA - James R. Aldrich, 64, of New Salem, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025 at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Holyoke, MA on May 13, 1961, he was the son of the late Harry and Barbara (McDonnell) Aldrich. Jim was brought up in Southampton, MA and graduated with the class of 1979 from Hampshire Regional High School. He has lived in New Salem most of his adult life, moving here in 1986 with his wife and later raising his family here.
Jim's career was largely spent in the trucking industry, where for the last 30 years he was the proud owner of his own business (New Salem Construction, Inc.), hauling everything from gravel and propane to gear for the entertainment industry. For the past several years, he was part of a group driving equipment for Billy Joel concerts all across the country, which he enjoyed greatly.
Jim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy (Garrow) Aldrich of New Salem; his daughter, Amy Savoie and her husband Adam of Athol; his son, Andrew Aldrich of New Salem; a granddaughter, Addilynn Savoie; his brother David Aldrich and his wife Daina of Bartlett, TN. He also leaves his sisters-in-law Christine Spagna and her husband Tom of Southington, CT; Lynda Maggipinto and her husband John of Southington, CT; Barbara Garrow of Oxford, MI, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law James Garrow.
Calling hours will be at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with brief memorial readings at 11:30 a.m.
Following the calling hours, the family invites friends and family to gather at the Aldrich house in New Salem to celebrate Jim's life.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Jim Aldrich to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or via dana-farber.org/gift
Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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2 Entries
Valarie Skinger
July 9, 2025
my condolences to all of Jim´s family and friends. We went to HRHS together. Always laughing and having fun, it was the 70"s! Rest peacefully Jim. You are remembered with a smile on my face for having known you!
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Mike Yohan
July 1, 2025
Jim was a critical thinker, and a high IQ individual. This translated into his work and his love of mechanics and equipment. He also had his own high rpm motor which made him a very busy hard working man. He would often say that there wasn't enough time for him to get everything done. Cancer didn't slow him he was inspirational the way he battled until he was physically unable too. Very sad that he's gone and he will be missed.
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