Wade William Roese

Wade William Roese, 87, of Redding, CT, passed away on 13 August, 2026, at home. Wade was born in Mineola, NY to Edith and William Roese on 18 February 1939. He graduated from Mineola High School in Mineola, NY, and earned a BS degree from Long Island University at C.W. Post in Brookville, NY. He married Theresa Stone on 15 April 1967 in Freeport, NY, and they moved to Redding in 1970.

Wade began his professional life working at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, Sperry Gyroscope, and Perkin-Elmer Corporation. After working at two architectural firms, he established his own architectural design firm in Redding. Additionally, he served as Building Inspector for the Town of Wilton and as Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Town of Redding.

After moving to Redding, Wade became active in the community. He was President of the Redding Jaycees, served on the Redding Building Committee, and joined the First Church of Christ Congregational, becoming active in the Men’s Club, teaching Sunday School, and serving as Deacon. He enjoyed pitching for Perkin-Elmer in the Danbury Men’s Softball League and playing first base for the Mooses in the Redding Parks and Recreation Men’s Softball League. Additionally, he coached girls softball at the then Redding Boys’ Club and freshman girls softball at Joel Barlow High School.

Wade began his decades-long dedication to Redding Fire & EMS Company No. 1 as a lifetime member playing drums in the marching band. Years later, he attained the rank of Fire Police Lieutenant and earned certifications as an MRT and EMT. Following years of responding to EMS calls, he became a certified EMS instructor, assisting in training new EMTs within the department, EMT students at Joel Barlow High School, and EVOC. He also served as EMS Captain, Company Vice President, and Deputy Fire Marshall as well as an Associate Member of the West Redding Fire Department.

Wade was a proud member of the 1/87 Vehicle Club and served as President of the Danbury Railway Museum. A lifelong lover of trains, photography, and playing drums, his passions included scratch-making HO scale trucks and cranes, cartography, making fudge, and UConn Womens’ Basketball.

Wade is preceded in death by his parents, Edith and William, his brother Guy, his belovèd wife, Theresa, and eight cherished granddogs.

He is survived by daughter Tina Marie Roese; daughter Jill Roese Adrian, her husband Patrick Adrian, and seven belovèd granddogs; granddaughter, Bridgette Burdick; great-granddaughter, Billie Rhoades; brother-in-law, Dr. William Pierce and his wife, Theresa Pierce; nephew William Pierce, his children, William and Catharine Pierce, and his partner, Shubha Sunder; nephew Jonathan Pierce, his wife, Talia Pierce, and their children, Drew, Graham, and Tanner; niece, Gillian Pierce; and longtime friend John Frank.

A memorial service will be held at 11.00 on Saturday, 22 August at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Cross Highway, Redding, CT with Reverend Suzanne Wagner officiating. The family invites all to wear red in honor of Wade.

Memorial donations may be made in Wade’s name to Redding Fire & EMS Company No. 1, PO Box 185, Redding Ridge, CT 06876.

Arrangements are by Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.