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Community Corner

ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton Community Prepares for Final Farewell to No. 56, SHS Senior David Wade

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A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY:  The Stoughton Community is a small one. All of us know the Wade family, as neighbors and friends. My son was a friend many years ago of Michael's, and my daughter a friend of David's, and a former teammate of his on the cheerleading squad.  

I know that everyone feels the pain of the Wade family, from the accidental shooting that resulted in David's death last Saturday, Sept. 29.

We grieve as one. 

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David Wade, 17, a senior at Stoughton High, was a past member of the SHS cheerleading squad, and for the past two seasons was a member of the Stoughton High football team, wearing No. 56 this year and playing on the line.

Teammates, friends and community members gathered at a candlelight vigil Sunday night on Barnes Road., next to the Wade family's home on Turnpike Street. Many students also wore black clothing and black armbands to school Monday.

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SHS Principal Julie Miller said it was quiet in school on Monday. There was a lot of sadness, and tears in the eyes of many students in the halls. The cafeteria didn't have its usual loud chatter.

The wake will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, at Farley Funeral Home on Park Street.  The funeral is Friday at 10 a.m., at St. James Church on Page Street.

Even though the funeral is on a weekday, students from Stoughton High will be allowed to attend, Miller said. Parents needed to send a permission note by 9 a.m. Thursday. Due to safety concerns, Miller said that no students will be allowed to drive to the funeral.  Instead, buses will ferry them back and forth from the high school (or parents/guardians must transport the students). 

The Church plans on staying open after the funeral for his friends to gather and speak about David. The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce is looking for businesses to make donations to purchase refreshments for after the funeral service for what is expected to be a large group of students and community members in attendance. If a business wants to make a donation they can contact Terry Schneider, Executive Director of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce at terry@stoughtonma.com.

To lose two young people in such a short time, including three-year-old Shayla Lutz on Sept. 14 in front of the Hansen School following a pedestrian accident, is beyond tragedy. It's just overwhelmingly sad. 

In lieu of flowers, donations for the David James Wade Scholarship Fund may be made to the Black Knights, c/o Margie Tarpey, Stoughton Public Schools, 232 Pearl St., Stoughton, MA 02072.

Donations in Shayla's memory may be made to the Lutz Family Trust, c/o Stoughton Co-operative Bank, PO Box 446, Stoughton, MA 02072.

May both Rest in Peace, and their spirits live on in their family, friends, and community. One thing I know: The Lutz and Wade families are not grieving alone. This community is grieving as one.

Click here to read a tribute to David. His obituary is posted here.

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