Gregory Louis Wade, of New Haven passed away on January 26, 2022, at age 73.
Gregory was born on July 1, 1948, to Earl and Constance in New York City and was raised in Queens, NY. He graduated from Thomas Edison High School with an interest in carpentry.
Gregory went on to meet Helene Richardson. They were married on February 19, 1966 and celebrated over twenty years together. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Nicole and LaDora, and one son, Gregory, II.
His career began at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC working as a videographer filming medical consultations. From there he transferred to NBC, working as a VR videographer for the Johnny Carson show. He also filmed live soap operas and various shows. In 1971, Greg ventured out to ABC, WTNH 8 in New Haven, CT to work as a Cameraman. He loved CT so much he relocated his family from NYC in 1972. Greg was a visionary with ambitious goals and decided to enroll in the Connecticut School of Electronics where he excelled and graduated. After growing his talent, he moved on to ESPN in 1978 as part of the original crew that launched in Bristol, CT. At ESPN Gregory was a Sports Editor that traveled the world behind the scenes videotaping prominent sports figures from all walks of life. He would later edit the videos to be shown as clips viewed on “Sports Center”, one of ESPN’s premiere shows.
Gregory’s first love was family and he believed in the power of education. He always told us, “No one can ever take your education away from you. I have given you the tools to be successful and have unlimited opportunities.” Greg was an early riser who loved his coffee and a good movie. He was a sports fanatic who coached and supported his children’s involvement in team sports. He loved music and dancing. Greg was also a good listener who gave meaningful advice to anyone at any time.
Gregory is survived by his former wife and friend, Helene Wade; his daughters, Nicole Elizabeth Sykes Benson (Benjamin) and LaDora Evette Twitty Hill (Timothy). He was predeceased by his son, Gregory Louis Wade II. On March 19, 2014, he was reunited with his daughter, Christina Monique Smith, an Army Desert Storm Veteran.
On May 28, 2003, Gregory remarried and is survived by his lovely wife, Nilsa Illas Wade, of Hamden, CT and her three children Thalia Gonzalez, Yarimar Gonzalez, and Esteban Gonzalez.
He leaves his beloved grandchildren, Dramone Sykes, Corey Twitty (Natalie), Tyler Sykes, Tre’ Holmes, Natalia Sykes, Destiny Wade, Jailyn Sykes Harris (Ty), Cameron Twitty, De’von Evans, Jabrell Evans, Mikaylah Davis, and Kiersten Hill; great-grandchildren, Brittani, Dominic, Khristian, Aubree, Cora, Corhion, Promise, Ariella, Liangeliz, Kayden, Kaylee, Iziah, Elijah, and Jacob; one close sister, Helena Thomas of Dallas, TX; special cousin, Lauren Smalls of South Pasadena, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by two sisters, Ladora Morrison and Yvette Morrison of Dallas, TX; and his former Siberian Husky, Pepsi, who lovingly chewed all his leather goods.
A celebration of life will take place Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Wednesday at the funeral home from 11:00 – 12:00 PM. Interment will be private. To leave a message of comfort for the Wade family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com
