Michael Patrick Wade

At the young age of 17, Michael Patrick Wade along with his cousin Bill Wade departed the west coast of Ireland for a new life in the United States. It was there in New York City that he met Mary Ellen Cunniffe "Maureen" at an Irish American dancehall. Maureen was committed to an "arranged" relationship back in her hometown in Ireland so Mike followed her back home insisting she "choose - him or me." They arranged to meet up on an eastbound train to Dublin where they eloped and married. They returned to NYC and within weeks Mike was off to Airborne and Infantry School in Ft. Benning, Georgia while Maureen made a home and found employment in NYC. Mike served in the Korean War where he made 24 jumps. He then had two tours of duty in Vietnam and in 1967 was awarded the Bronze Star for outstanding meritorious service against hostile forces while serving with the 6thBattalion, 56th Artillery Group. In 1971 he was again awarded the Bronze Star in connection with military operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Mike went on to receive many other awards before retiring in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1973. His service to his country is the achievement he is most proud of and after retiring from the Army, he obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, and Psychology.
Mike was born in Balla, County Mayo Ireland in 1931. He was married to his sweetheart Maureen for 62 years. They have three children Caroline, Stephen and Thomas Moore - all successful business owners. They lost Thomas in 2005 but through their faith, friends and extended family they moved through their grief keeping Thomas's memory alive. Their grandchildren Sarah, Michael, Katie and RiLeigh along with great grand-children Natalie and Ryan were his pride and joy.
Mike was a brilliant man who in his youth played the bagpipes and fife; he loved to read, debate politics and philosophy, play a little a golf, watch old movies, listen to music and drink Irish tea. He was an accomplished NYC handball champion and well known in the ABQ racquetball scene. But what Mike did best was being a proud American striking a balance between Ireland, the country he loved and left and America, the country he fought for. Because of him, his children truly appreciate their Irish heritage while recognizing the risk and sacrifices he made to build a home and family in the United States.
Mike, our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather passed away peacefully on May 13, 2016 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Wade; daughter Caroline Wade Blankenship and husband Dale; son Stephen Wade and wife Kris, daughter-in-law Patti Wade and his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Mary Wade, his sisters Angela and Anne; brother Jack, and son Thomas.
We are grateful to all the wonderful people who provided care to Mike at Heritage Home Care, VAMC, North Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center, and Hospice de la Luz.
Rosary with Eulogy following will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a Mass at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM.