David E. Wilder

Wendell-David E. Wilder Sr., 78, of 126 Wendell Depot Road, Wendell, died November 28, 2024, at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, with his family surrounding him. David battled many illnesses and finally asked his family to "let him go".

Born in Montague, Mass. at the former Farren Hospital on May 9, 1946. He was the son of Josiah and Elizabeth Wilder of Wendell; He had a brother J. Milton (Milly) who passed away before David. He attended New Salem Academy, married Judith on 11-28-64, and spent his 21 birthday in Vietnam. He was a Helicopter Crew Chief, earned medals and was a SP 5 upon discharge.

After the military he worked mostly in the forest industry. He became self employed and ran a sawmill with construction as part of the business and finally ran D & D Forest Products with his son David Jr. He also was part of Wendell's political scene and enjoyed the interaction with all of his neighbors. "Tilly, Ted and David" were a big part of the construction of the current Wendell Bandstand on the Wendell Common. All three are now gone but their names are on the Bandstand with thanks from the town.

David and Judy also ran All About Learning, formerly Westwind Daycare, a child care facility in Amherst and all the staff as well as the children knew David as Grandpa and he enjoyed that title very much.

In David's off time he enjoyed War movies, the History Channel and farming and building stone walls. If you look at his home it has many walls and waterfalls all built by David with many other hands helping him.

He married his wife Judith on November 28, 1964, and died exactly 60 years later on their 60th anniversary. They were high school sweethearts and there love stayed the same for all 60 years.

David leaves his wife, Judith of Wendell, His children Deborah Wilder and partner Dan Olanyk of

Sunderland and David Jr , and his wife Melissa of Wendell. Three grandchildren, Trevor and his wife

Shelby of Phillipston, Brianna and her partner Joe Menko of Holyoke and Amanda Vigue and her wife

Melissa of Belchertown; two great grandchildren, Elle and August; as well as many nieces and nephews.

It was good for David when his nephew Richard Wilder, of Wendell, spent hours on the porch just talking,

The great grandchildren will remember the pocket of Grandpa's coveralls that always had a candy bar in it. All will remember David's love for his dog, Nugget, who made his physical problems easier to accept because of her faith and tail wagging when she saw him home. Also, the many laughs that were shared with his brother-in-law Joseph Bagdonas and his wife Sally of Orange.

All will remember David because if you needed something he was there for you.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 3-5 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A funeral with military honors will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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