Gregory Paul Wadleigh

Gregory Paul Wadleigh obituary, Chelmsford, MA

Gregory Paul Wadleigh

Gregory Wadleigh Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home on Apr. 23, 2025.

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Greg Wadleigh, affectionately known as Mr. Wadleigh, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at the age of 74, with his loving family by his side. A beloved music teacher, husband, friend, and mentor, Greg touched countless lives with his talent, warmth, and unwavering positivity.
Born on February 27, 1951 in Gardner, Massachusetts, to Paul and Martha Wadleigh, Greg's life was one filled with music, love, and purpose. He shared a remarkable 51 years of marriage with his soulmate Nancy, and together they built a life full of laughter, harmony, and shared passions. Their deep bond and joyful companionship were admired by all who knew them.
Greg's love of music was both a gift and a calling. A gifted musician who sang and played multiple instruments, he devoted his life to teaching and inspiring young minds. His teaching career began in Framingham, where he served as the musical director of many cherished theatrical productions. Later, he brought his boundless energy and creativity to Westford, where he continued to teach music and lead the jazz band, even from his scooter in his later years. Though mobility challenges eventually ended his classroom teaching, he never stopped connecting with students, many of whom returned over the years to visit him and share how he had shaped their lives.
Greg found great peace in nature-especially fishing with his father-in-law in Maine and on his boat in local waters. He had a passion for gardening, and when his mobility changed, a raised bed garden was lovingly built for him, with a wheelchair-accessible walkway created by the local Boy Scouts. It became a sanctuary of color, calm, and care.
Above all, Greg treasured time with his wife, Nancy. Their love was his greatest joy. His humor-dry, thoughtful, and always present-carried him and those around him through even the hardest times. He faced serious health challenges with courage and grace, never losing his characteristic warmth and good spirit. His resilience and positive outlook were an inspiration to all who knew him.
Greg was deeply grateful to his caregivers, who treated him like family and helped him live life with dignity and comfort. He leaves behind his beloved wife Nancy, his siblings Thomas Wadleigh (and wife Faith), Kathy Vaccari (and husband Jack), Phil Wadleigh (and wife Pat), Edith Naylor (and husband Don) Robert Morin (and wife Martha), and Judith Wist. His family, friends, former students, and community will forever remember him for his kindness, laughter, and the music he brought into their lives.
In his honor, a music scholarship has been established in Westford, Massachusetts-to continue nurturing the talent and spirit Greg so passionately believed in.
Greg Wadleigh's presence was a gift. He was a man of harmony-in music and in life-and his memory will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Westford Fire Department, P.O. Box 296, Westford, MA 01886.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10am at the United Methodist Church of Westford, 10 Church Street, Westford. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford.

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Sign Gregory Wadleigh's Guest Book

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April 30, 2025

Earl F posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2025

Renee Lucente posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2025

Melissa Franks posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Earl F

April 30, 2025

Greg and Nancy were the first friends my wife and I made after moving to Massachusetts in 1973. Always enjoyed his unique sense of humor. Will miss him greatly. Like others if I can do anything for you Nancy please let me know.
Earl F.

Renee Lucente

April 27, 2025

Nancy I am so sorry for your loss. You and Greg are such beautiful souls. You have touched so many lives and brightened many peoples outlook on life. I am looking forward to you sharing more stories, memories, and life lessons that you and Greg shared. Please know I am here if you need a friend.

Melissa Franks

April 27, 2025

Dear Mrs. Wadleigh, My Mom and I send our sincere condolences. All these years later, we still talk about you and Mr. Wadleigh. We loved him and he emanated and gave such warmth and happiness. Sending you peace. Melissa and Elaine Frank´s

Denine L.

April 23, 2025

Greg was my music teacher in Framingham in the mid 1970s. His classes were great fun. He was passionate about music and that made me remember things he said, like "you should never be the quiet one (trumpeter, clarinetist) in the orchestra. If anything you should play so loudly that your instructor tells to to quiet down." Or showing my classmate Steve how to play a rhythm more staccato on his trumpet "digga-DA digga-DA diggi-diggi-diggi-DA!" I remember singing Elton John's 'Your Song' in class. But the absolute best was when he'd joke around with lyrics, like with Olivia Newton John's "Have You Ever Made Jello?" Once I realised lyrics could be improvised, no one was ever safe from my own versions. Thank you, Greg Wadleigh. I was so lucky to have you as a teacher. You were a gift.

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Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home

24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824

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Sign Gregory Wadleigh's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 30, 2025

Earl F posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2025

Renee Lucente posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2025

Melissa Franks posted to the memorial.