Edward J. McDade Jr. of Sierra Vista, AZ, formerly of Paxton, passed away on July 17, 2010. Edward was preceded in death by his wife Ann C. McDade, son Thomas Michael McDade, and brother Arch McDade. Edward is survived by daughter, Joyce A Laffin; son-in-law, Maurice Laffin; grandchild, Kate Alexa Laffin of Worcester, MA; son, Edward W. McDade and daughter-in-law Karin Z. McDade of Sierra Vista, AZ; sister-in-law, Joan M. Hanset of Sierra Vista, AZ; sister, Shirley Davis and brother-in-law, Walter Davis of Verona, PA; brother, Sam McDade and sister-in-law Edith McDade of Plumboro, PA; brothers, George McDade, Charles McDade and James McDade of Verona, PA, and brother Merle McDade and sister-in-law Judy McDade of North Carolina; along with several nieces and nephews.

    Ed was born in Verona, PA on November 3, 1925. He graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1944. He entered the U.S. Army in 1946 and served for 6 years. He met his future wife Ann while stationed at FT. Devens, Ayer, MA and married Ann in November of 1952 and they were together for 54 years. Ed and Ann made their home in Massachusetts where they lived for almost 50 years. Ed worked for several companies including Crocker Burbank, Weyerhaeuser, James River, and FLEXcon.

    They moved to Sierra Vista, AZ in 2000 to be close to family and lived their remaining years in Arizona.

    Ed spent close to 50 years in Worcester County supporting youth activities. He supported his community by coaching and refereeing in both the Fitchburg Little League and Biddy League Basketball Leagues. Ed also donated several years to volunteering his time to Junior Achievement (JA) and spent many years as an umpire in the Men's Softball Leagues in Worcester County. After retiring in 1991, Ed continued to volunteer by giving his time and energy to the United Way.

    Ed loved sports. If it had ball associated with it he loved it. His passion was baseball / softball. He was an exceptional pitcher in the Fitchburg softball leagues in the 1950's.

    Ed loved to play tennis and in his senior years he became quite an accomplished racquetball player.

    In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local hospice. Hospice provides a great service to every community and does not get near the recognition they deserve for their excellent outreach programs to family and friends.

    We are going to have a celebration of Edward's life. A memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31st at Caswell King Funeral Home, 474 Grove Street, Worcester, MA. Calling hours will be Friday, July 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.