David G. Wade, a lifelong Needham resident, passed away on Wednesday, February 24th. He was 74 years old. Born in Needham, he was the son of the late Purvis E. and Cynthia A. (Smith) Wade. Dave was a graduate of Needham High School, Class of 1964. He was an outstanding and awarded wrestler at Needham High and was a member of the 1962 State Champion team. He went on to graduate from UMass and BU. Mr. Wade taught in the Attleboro Public Schools for over 30 years.

Dave was a Pop Warner football coach in Needham for many years. His passion was wrestling. He coached wrestling at Dedham High School first as an assistant from 1969-1982 and then as head coach from 1983-2000. Dave was named Dedham Daily transcript Coach of the Year multiple times. During his coaching he won over 200 dual matches including 3 undefeated seasons. He coached 24 South sectional champions, 8 state champions and 3 New England champions.

Coach Wade was inducted to the Massachusetts interscholastic wrestling association Hall of Fame and the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Dave Wade was known as "Moe" to his wrestlers. He had an uncanny resemblance to Moe from The Three Stooges. He had great passion for the sport and his wrestlers. They were family to him, each and every one was dear to his heart.

Dave was the loving and devoted father to Stacey, Kim and Scott Wade and Papa to his grandchildren; Jake Wade, Ryan and Olivia Payne, Melina and Maddison Wade. He was the brother of Kenneth Wade and the late Thomas and William "Billy" Wade.

Visitation will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 2nd from 10:30 – 11:45, followed by a service at 12noon. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance at the service will be limited. All attendees must wear a face covering. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s memory may be made to The Friends of Dedham Wrestling, 82 Whitehall St., Dedham MA 02026.

Eaton Funeral Home (direct link to obituary)