Howard J. Wailgum, Jr.

South Hadley – Howard J. "Howie" Wailgum Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, with his beloved wife, Kristine, and daughter, Kristin, by his side after a brief illness.

Born in Holyoke on May 10, 1946, he was the son of Howard J. Wailgum Sr. and Doris R. (Sawyer) Wailgum. He leaves behind his devoted mother, Doris Wailgum; his beloved wife, Kristine Wailgum; their cherished cats, BB and Peachy; and his daughter, Kristin Wailgum and her partner, Richard Maxson, of Greenfield. He was a loving stepfather to Adam Orszak and his wife, Ami, of Belchertown, and Alena Marie Meacham and her husband, Jarrett, of Chaplin, Connecticut. He also leaves his sister, Audrey Ryan and her husband, Tony, of Northampton; his brother, Karl Wailgum and his wife, Denise, of Leominster; along with many cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Howard J. Wailgum Sr.

Howie was a natural storyteller whose colorful life provided him with no shortage of tales to tell. As a teenager, he held many jobs, working as a grocery clerk, farmhand, and rubber plant worker. One of his favorite positions was at Friendly's, and he often amused family and friends with stories of his time working in a Holyoke mill as a "mink sorter." His gift for storytelling, combined with his quick wit and warm personality, made him a joy to be around.

In his late teens, Howie answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His military service took him to Washington, D.C., Lakehurst, New Jersey, and overseas to Morocco, where he served as a meteorologist. Following his Navy service, he continued serving with the Army National Guard's MASH Unit. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Education became both his profession and his passion. For 31 years, Howie inspired generations of students as a math and science teacher at Hadley Elementary School. A pioneer in embracing new technologies, he shared his enthusiasm for weather science and computers by incorporating both into his classroom instruction. He organized and led computer camps for children and later taught computer literacy courses at Elms College. His dedication to education and his commitment to helping young people embrace emerging technologies left a lasting impact on countless students, families, and colleagues.

A lifelong member of St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley, Howie found strength, comfort, and community through his faith. He actively participated in parish life and deeply valued the celebration of the Eucharist and the friendships he cultivated within the church community.

Music was another of Howie's great loves. A talented drummer, he performed with several bands throughout the years, including Combination of Changes, Stony Hill Road, and a Washington, D.C.-based band called Night Shift, with whom he recorded an album. One of his favorite musical memories was performing in a cover band at Mountain Park, sharing the stage with legendary entertainer Roy Orbison. Whether behind a drum set, in the classroom, or among family and friends, Howie brought energy, joy, and enthusiasm to everything he did.

Above all, Howie will be remembered for his kind heart, his sense of humor, and his unwavering devotion to family. He touched countless lives as a teacher, musician, veteran, husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His legacy lives on in the many people he inspired, mentored, and loved throughout his remarkable life.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. for a funeral procession to church. Burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Theresa's Church furnace & fuel fund in Howie's memory.