STERLING - Alan L. Wade, 81, a lifelong resident of Sterling, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025 at the Oakdale Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility in West Boylston.
Born in Sterling, Alan is the son of the late Walter and Marian (Moore) Wade. After graduating from Leominster Trade in 1961, he worked most of his career at Nypro Inc. in Clinton prior to his early retirement. In his younger years, Alan spent his summers at Fortunes Rocks Beach in Biddeford, Maine where he tended to his family's summer home while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the ocean. He was a passionate motorcycle and car enthusiast, who enjoyed conversations with anyone who was interested in hearing about the cherished vehicles he owned over the years and frequently attended antique auto shows with his brother Ozzie. The only car Alan didn't like was a dirty one. He could often be found meticulously waxing and detailing a friend or family members car, making it shine like new. Despite Alan's impaired vision, he kept himself busy in his spare time by creating beautiful paintings, doing needlepoint, and building wonderful clocks. Alan was always willing to offer a helping hand to a friend, neighbor or family member in need of his expert handyman abilities. Whether it was time spent working outside in the yard or gardening, he truly relished time spent in the peacefulness of nature. Alan was a quiet, kind, humble and hardworking gentleman, who genuinely enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.
He is survived by his many nieces, Sandra Joy, Felicia Kokernak, Julie Nickerson, and Michele Cadoret of Sterling, with whom he lived for the past 8 years; nephews, Danny, Kevin, and David Wade of Maine; and Sister-in-laws, Vergie and Marie Wade. He leaves behind great nieces and nephews whom, along with their children, brought him much joy and entertainment, laughing at their silly antics. In addition, Alan leaves behind a lifelong friend, Beverly of Florida. He looked forward to their weekly phone calls, reminiscing about the "good old days" and sharing stories and laughter about life and the world around them.
Alan was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Marian; siblings, Roland Wade, Walter Eugene Wade, Sally Magaw, and Joan Jablonski; and nephews,Barry and Jerry Jablonski, Steven Wade and Clyde Magaw.
Alan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A private burial service will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling at a later date.
For those who wish, donations can be made in Alan's memory to the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired or Sterling Animal Shelter.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. www.milesfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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