Charles Edward Sulkala

Charles Edward “Chad” Sulkala, age 54, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his home in Northampton, Massachusetts. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on June 13, 1970, he was the son of Charles S. Sulkala and the late Diann M. (Jervis) Ward. Chad was raised in Norwood, Massachusetts. After graduating with the class of 1988 from Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, Chad continued his education at Northeastern University in Boston. He transferred to the University of Massachusetts Amherst after his freshman year, enrolling in their Journalism program. He would become a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity and proudly earn his bachelor’s degree with the class of 1993. Chad would later receive his MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management in 2016.

Chad lived in Boston after college where he worked a variety of food service roles for several years before joining the family business at Acme Body and Paint in Jamaica Plain in 1998. In 2004 he moved out of the city to Millis, Massachusetts where he lived until 2008, relocating to Grayslake, Illinois where he would raise his family. In Illinois, Chad worked for AllState Insurance Company for close to a decade until accepting a position with CCC Information Services in Chicago. Chad returned to the east coast in 2023, and recently moved to Northampton, MA.

A man of many interests, Chad had a variety of hobbies. He loved music, especially bands like Phish, the Grateful Dead, U2 among many others. His love of music even inspired him to learn how to play guitar, forming a band called "Peel" with some friends. Chad also enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved camping in the mountains and parks of Maine and New Hampshire, favoring Acadia National Park and White Mountain National Forest. While in college, he shared his love of the outdoors with younger generations by serving as a summer camp counselor at Camp Burgess in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Chad enjoyed cooking, making delectable soups and stews, perfectly grilled steaks, and mouthwatering roasts. He was also a sports enthusiast, cheering on all New England teams and never turning down tee time at the golf course. Chad was a proud member of the Mass Charitable Mechanic Association, as well as a member of several other organizations within the collision industry. Beginning in 2000, he served as a Treasurer for Collision Repair Specialists, Inter industry Conference on Collision Repair, Collision Industry Foundation, Massachusetts Auto Body Association, and The National Auto Body Council. In addition, Chad chaired several committees for the Collision Industry Conference and the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association. In 2017 he was recognized for his leadership expertise by the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association for Outstanding Leadership. At home, Chad enjoyed relaxing with a good book, challenging himself and his worldviews by delving into books on philosophy and the meaning of life. As a member of the Scottish Rite, Chad sought to expand his knowledge and strengthen his principles as a Mason.

Loving father of Charles Kenneth "Charlie" Sulkala and Caleigh Ann Sulkala, both of Grayslake, Illinois.

Cherished son of Charles S. "Chuck" Sulkala and his wife Linda of Walpole, and the late Diann M. (Jervis) Ward, and her husband Paul F. Ward of Norwood.

Brother of Kristen E. Cannon and her husband Christopher of Norwood, Doug S. Sulkala of Mansfield, Matthew L. Sulkala and his wife Lea of McLean, Virginia, Jonathan K. Sulkala of Norwood, and Alina Nanci Cleverly and her husband John of Kingston.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Chad's Visitation on Monday, June 9th, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grazina, 83 Morse St Suite 4 F, Norwood on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Charles's name may be made to the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association at 353 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA 02169 or to the Sulkala Fund through the Collision Repair Education Foundation at 5125 Trillium Blvd., Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 60192 or by visiting https://collisionrepaireducationfoundation.org/donate-now/ and selecting ‘Donate’ and choosing ‘Sulkala Fund’ from the drop down.