Obituary of Edward T. Wade

Edward Thomas Wade Born May 22, 1921, Edward volunteered for the peacetime US Army service on Flag Day, June 14, 1941. Edward was stationed in the exotic locale of Hawaii, and was a survivor of the epic battle of Pearl Harbor. After that, Edward continued his Army career as a Technician Fifth Grade in the Engineers, performing service in the first waves of both Guadalcanal and the Fiji Islands, before contracting malaria over 28 times. This resulted in Edwards honorable discharge from the service. Edward returned home and was the youngest and first Democratic member to be elected to the Waterford Twp. Committee, serving for 4 years in the 1940s. During that time he married Pearl Shoemaker, and together they assisted in the planning and construction of the East Berlin Community Church and Sunday school at its present location. Edward and Pearl installed the downstairs steps together one Thanksgiving Day. He even went on to teach the boys Sunday school class when the project was done. Edward was also one of the founding members of the American Legion in Atco, NJ. Edward was on the founding committee of Camp Haluwasa in Hammonton, as well as a long-standing member of the South Jersey Organic Garden Club. Edward was also a member of the Louden Vol. Fire Co. and a member of Union Local 542 Operating Engineers. Aside from his years of public and church service, in 1945 Edward also did auto bodywork. He and his father, Thomas started the business that grew into Wade Salvage that is now in 9 US locations. He taught many young prospects how to weld, cut, and recognize all kinds of scrap metals. Edward continued to be an active consultant in the recycling business until fall 2004 when his failing health prevented him from doing what he loved. Edward is survived by his beloved wife, Pearl A. Wade, and his sister, Pearl Reed. He was the proud father of three, Joyce, Karl and Andrew Wade. He was also the grandfather of Gregory Sharp, Raymond von Rhine, Jason and Matthew Wade; and the great grandfather of Alexis and Jacqueline Sharp. His extended family includes his daughter-in-law, Brenda Wade and granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Sharp. Many area residents and customers share the fond memories of Eds relentless work ethic and ability to regale all with his lifelong adventures. Edward will be sadly missed by all. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Edwards viewing on Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm and again Friday morning from 9am to 10am at the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco (856)767-0539. Services will be held at 10am on Friday. Interment, Berlin Cemetery, Berlin. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Edward may be sent to Camp Haluwasa, 377 Ehrke Rd., Hammonton, NJ 08037 or to the East Berlin Community Church, PO Box 491, Berlin, NJ 08009.