James Fred Ade

J. Fred Ade Sr., of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away on Oct 21, 2024. 

Fred’s positive attitude and infectious smile made him loved by everyone he met. He never complained or was known to have a bad day, finding humor and happiness in the pleasures of daily life. He was extremely generous with his time, his talent, his friendship, and his smile. 

Fred was a handy man who could always be found working on his beloved 76 Monte Carlo, a cuckoo clock, a computer, or any one of his number of projects. There was not anything Fred could not fix… from installing a backup camera and touchscreen display in his wife’s Ford Taurus to repairing an antique player piano and installing cameras in bird feeders to pursue his latest hobby. Fred always enjoyed tinkering in his basement or garage and loved to lend a helping hand to friends, relatives, and neighbors. 

Growing up, Fred developed a passion for working on cars and racing hot rods around the streets of Drexel Hill until he started an apprenticeship with the U.S. Pipe Organ Company. He was drafted into the Army, served in Korea after the war, and returned from service to work on tuning and repairing pipe organs, eventually opening his own business. He then joined his brother working for Allen-Myland Inc. and began a career installing main frame computers, ultimately becoming a hardware and software technician, and continued working until he fully retired at the age of 85.

Fred was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Ellen Ade (nee Gallagher), devoted father of James F. Ade Jr. (Rebecca) and Kimberly Ade-Mellen (Michael), caring grandfather of Dana, Madelyn, Alicia, Lauren and Alex, and special friend of Janet Jones. Fred is survived by his sisters-in-law Kiki Ade and Judith L. Gallagher and brother-in-law Wayne R. Gallagher and many loved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his sister Joanne S. Birch (the late Raleigh J. Birch) and brother Robert A. Ade and brother-in-law Robert A. Gallagher.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 26, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment at Cumberland Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 600 Edmonds Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.