FITCHBURG - Gerald L. “Jerry” Spade, age 83, of Fitchburg, passed away on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Sept. 25, 1938, in Covington, Ky., the son of Fred and Lillie (Kincaid) Spade.

Jerry graduated from Fort Thomas High School in Kentucky. He played the French horn in high school and during his first year at Purdue University. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Purdue and his master’s degree from Northeastern University.

Jerry was united in marriage to Shirley Davis on Oct. 2, 1960. He spent 40 years working for Sanders Associates in Nashua, N.H. During that time, he held several patents for equipment that still protect world leaders today.

Jerry was a devoted and very active member of the First United Methodist Church. He and Shirley were members of Friends of the Concert Organ and would sponsor a concert every year. Jerry was a wine enthusiast. He enjoyed listening to classical music and playing the piano. He was interested in home electronics and built his own stereo and was always building and fixing things. Jerry enjoyed sports, especially tennis and was an avid swimmer, well known at the local YMCA. Jerry and Shirley loved traveling all over the world and spending time with their family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, David (Amy) Spade and Phil (Lesley) Spade; three grandchildren, Daniel (Aerin) Spade, Angela Spade and Lillian Spade; sister-in-law, Cherie Spade; nephews, Jeff (Kathy) Spade, William (Keiko) Spade, Nelson (Traci) Hale and Evan (Kathy) Hale; and nieces, Terri (Francis) Cheung, Susan (Scott) Nishizaki and Lisa (Aaron) Martinez. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Fred Spade.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022, with Pastor Mark Fowler presiding.

Memorials may be gifted in Jerry's name to First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Gerald Lee Spade

September 25, 1938 - February 28, 2022

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