Stephen Lada

SMITHFIELD - Stephen Lada, 98, of Smithfield passed away peacefully Monday, November 2, 2015 at the Village at Waterman Lake, Greenville. He was the husband of Frances (Starck) Lada.
Born in Central Falls, a son of the late Frank and Anastasia (Wozny) Lada, he had lived in Lincoln for 43 years before moving to Greenville in 2011.
Besides his loving wife of 61 years, he leaves two sons, Stephen Paul Lada and his wife, Joan of Reston, VA and Douglas James Lada and his wife, Ann of Huntington Beach, CA; one brother, Walter Lada of Cranston; his five beloved grandchildren, Erin, Jessica and Allison Lada; Rebecca Brodsky and Daniel Lada; and his four beloved great grandchildren, Jolene, Gavin, Evelyn and Jacob; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Michael Lada.
Mr. Lada was a retired Vice President of Purchasing at the Union Wadding Company in Pawtucket, where he worked for 36 years before retiring in 1983.
He attended Brown University and was a graduate of Bryant University.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a First Lieutenant in the 8th Army Air Corps where he was a Group Bombardier in the 91st Bomb Group stationed in England. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was a member of the 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association, the 8th Army Air Corps Historical Society, and the VFW/Lancaster Post #10213.
He was a Past President of the Purchasing Management Association of RI; past Director of the National Purchasing Association; Secretary/Treasurer of the Southern New England Textile Club for 32 years as well as auditor of the Club for many years.
He was a member of Jenks Lodge #24, F. & A.M., Pawtucket. He received a life-time membership in Jenks Lodge for his service at the Charles E. Lawton Memorial Masonic Home. He was Secretary for over 31 years. He was also a member of the Swords of Bunker Hill, Gaspee Order #99; 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Providence; and the RI Masonic Veterans Association. He received the Meritorious Service Award presented by the Grand Lodge of RI; and also the Abraham Shammas Medal presented by Jenks Lodge. He was an Honorary Past Master of Jenks Lodge.
He was a member of Park Place Congregational Church in Pawtucket. He served as President; Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Board of Deacons; Property Committee; Centennial Committee and the Capitol Fund Drive, all of the Church.
A Celebration of his Life will be held Monday, November 9 at 11 A.M. in Historic Swan Point Chapel, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence. His burial, with military honors, will be private.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln Sunday 2-5 P.M. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held Sunday at 4:30 P.M. in the Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Steve's memory to Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, RI 02860 or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904-9826 would be appreciated. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.