James R. Aldrich

NEW SALEM- James R. Aldrich, 64, of New Salem, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025 at home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Holyoke, MA on May 13, 1961, he was the son of the late Harry and Barbara (McDonnell) Aldrich. Jim was brought up in Southampton, MA and graduated with the class of 1979 from Hampshire Regional High School. He has lived in New Salem most of his adult life, moving here in 1986 with his wife and later raising his family here.

Jim’s career was largely spent in the trucking industry, where for the last 30 years he was the proud owner of his own business (New Salem Construction, Inc.), hauling everything from gravel and propane to gear for the entertainment industry.  For the past several years, he was part of a group driving equipment for Billy Joel concerts all across the country, which he enjoyed greatly.

Jim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy (Garrow) Aldrich of New Salem; his daughter, Amy Savoie and her husband Adam of Athol; his son, Andrew Aldrich of New Salem; a granddaughter, Addilynn Savoie; his brother David Aldrich and his wife Daina of Bartlett, TN. He also leaves his sisters-in-law Christine Spagna and her husband Tom of Southington, CT; Lynda Maggipinto and her husband John of Southington, CT; Barbara Garrow of Oxford, MI, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law James Garrow.

Calling hours will be at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with brief memorial readings at 11:30 a.m. 

Following the calling hours, the family invites friends and family to gather at the Aldrich house in New Salem to celebrate Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Jim Aldrich to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or via dana-farber.org/gift

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

WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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