Obituary for William George Schrade Jr.
William George Schrade, Jr., 77 of Adams, MA died on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by his children.
William was born in North Adams, MA on August 17, 1945, the son of William George and Florence (LeSage) Schrade. He was a graduate of C.H. McCann Technical High School and went on to receive a Bachelor’s and Master's Degree in Education from Westfield State College.
Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968 as a result of a severe hand injury. Despite the impacts of this injury, he overcame this challenge and persevered working with his hands as an auto mechanic, bartender and automotive instructor over the years. Following his service, he remained active in local veterans’ affairs as a member of the North Adams American Legion. There he served as Post Commander and Finance Officer. He was also the longtime chairman of its Annual Christmas Dinner (“Be Our Guest”). Each year Bill would ensure that hundreds of members of the community could enjoy a warm meal during the holidays. Bill was also a member of the North Adams Elks. He never hesitated to participate in community service events that affected members of his immediate community.
He was last employed as a teacher in the automotive department of C.H. McCann Technical High School. His impact was felt not only by students in his department, but throughout the entire school. Following his retirement, he was a driving instructor for Karen’s School of Driving, where he again assisted countless students in attaining their driver’s licenses. Bill enjoyed bowling and playing cards and especially enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod. For many years he also enjoyed “lake life” at Windsor Pond (Duke’s) and could be found cruising around the pond on his motor boat.
Bill leaves behind three daughters; Jennifer A. Rumbolt (Jay Beaulieu) of Westfield, MA; Erica L. (Jeffrey) Maynard of Raynham, MA, and Karli B. Schrade (Korinne McManus) of Brattleboro, VT and one son, William G. Schrade, III of Clarksburg, MA. In addition, he leaves seven grandchildren; Haylee Dix (Matthew Milligan), Hunter Schrade, William G. Schrade IV, Meghan Schrade, Ella Maynard, Emelia Maynard and Paige McManus and two great-grandchildren, Kynlee Milligan and Griffin Milligan. He also leaves behind his partner, Nancy Gagne and a brother-in-law, Nicola DiNicola of South Glens Falls, NY, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his granddaughter Victoria Rumbolt in April of 2014 and his two sisters, Carol Barry and Mary Lou DiNicola.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Bill Schrade will be Friday September 30, 2022 from 4-7 PM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. A graveside service will be held on Saturday October 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM in Southview Cemetery in North Adams. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the North Adams American Legion, Post 125, 91 American Legion Dr, North Adams. All are welcome to attend. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project - https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com .
William was born in North Adams, MA on August 17, 1945, the son of William George and Florence (LeSage) Schrade. He was a graduate of C.H. McCann Technical High School and went on to receive a Bachelor’s and Master's Degree in Education from Westfield State College.
Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968 as a result of a severe hand injury. Despite the impacts of this injury, he overcame this challenge and persevered working with his hands as an auto mechanic, bartender and automotive instructor over the years. Following his service, he remained active in local veterans’ affairs as a member of the North Adams American Legion. There he served as Post Commander and Finance Officer. He was also the longtime chairman of its Annual Christmas Dinner (“Be Our Guest”). Each year Bill would ensure that hundreds of members of the community could enjoy a warm meal during the holidays. Bill was also a member of the North Adams Elks. He never hesitated to participate in community service events that affected members of his immediate community.
He was last employed as a teacher in the automotive department of C.H. McCann Technical High School. His impact was felt not only by students in his department, but throughout the entire school. Following his retirement, he was a driving instructor for Karen’s School of Driving, where he again assisted countless students in attaining their driver’s licenses. Bill enjoyed bowling and playing cards and especially enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod. For many years he also enjoyed “lake life” at Windsor Pond (Duke’s) and could be found cruising around the pond on his motor boat.
Bill leaves behind three daughters; Jennifer A. Rumbolt (Jay Beaulieu) of Westfield, MA; Erica L. (Jeffrey) Maynard of Raynham, MA, and Karli B. Schrade (Korinne McManus) of Brattleboro, VT and one son, William G. Schrade, III of Clarksburg, MA. In addition, he leaves seven grandchildren; Haylee Dix (Matthew Milligan), Hunter Schrade, William G. Schrade IV, Meghan Schrade, Ella Maynard, Emelia Maynard and Paige McManus and two great-grandchildren, Kynlee Milligan and Griffin Milligan. He also leaves behind his partner, Nancy Gagne and a brother-in-law, Nicola DiNicola of South Glens Falls, NY, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his granddaughter Victoria Rumbolt in April of 2014 and his two sisters, Carol Barry and Mary Lou DiNicola.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Bill Schrade will be Friday September 30, 2022 from 4-7 PM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. A graveside service will be held on Saturday October 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM in Southview Cemetery in North Adams. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the North Adams American Legion, Post 125, 91 American Legion Dr, North Adams. All are welcome to attend. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project - https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com .