Wilbur P. “Bill” Wade
Wilbur P. “Bill” Wade, 87, of Chester Hill, died Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on July 23, 1938, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Wilbur and Helen (Mondock) Wade.
He was a 1957 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School. Following high school, he served with the US Air Force until 1961. During his enlistment, he was assigned to Japan and then to Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland, where he served in the NSA.
He was married on October 24, 1959, in Philipsburg, to the former Virginia A. “Ginger” Eckberg, who preceded him in death on April 13, 2025.
During his early working career, Bill was employed with the former Piper Cub facility in Quehanna and for Dotts Motors in Clearfield. However, he worked for most of his career as a club steward for the Clearfield and Philipsburg Elks Lodges and as the business manager for the Philipsburg Elks Lodge.
Bill was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church; a Life Member and Past Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge and Country Club, Lodge #1173 and a member of the AMVETS, Post #159, all of Philipsburg.
He is also survived by three daughters: Carla Rosselli and her husband, Ray Sudik, of Morrisdale, Lorri Somsky and her husband, Paul, of (Gearhartville) Philipsburg and Traci Fotomy and her husband, Scott, of Mill Hall; a son, Jeffrey Wade, of Philipsburg; seven gradnchildren: Carissa Roesseli (Bart Raymond), Taylor Rosselli and Kate Rosselli, all of Charlotte, North Carolina, Kara Bryan (Chad Baughman) of Morrisdale, Drew Bryan (Sarah), of Philipsburg, and Michael Fotomy, and Erik Fotomy, both of Mill Hall; three great-grandchildren: Ilsa, Elliott and Sonny; a sister, Irene Osewalt; and numerous other extended family members.
Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends telling jokes and stories and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 11 am, at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, with Pastor Catherine W. Dittman, officiating.
The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 5 until 8 pm; and on Thursday from 10 am until the time of the service.
There will be an Elks Memorial Service at the funeral home on Wednesday at 8 pm.
Interment with Military Honors will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to a breast cancer nonprofit organization founded by his daughter, Trace; Boxes of Hope, 10 E. Main Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745 or www.boh4bc.org
Online condolences and memories may be shared at Beezer Heath Funeral Home Philipsburg PA 16866
