WESTFIELD – “Dave” Trader of Westfield, MA died unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 at Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Crisfield, MD on Sept. 20, 1935, the son of the late Rev. Charles and Evelyn Trader. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jean (McCulley) Trader; two sons, Douglas Trader and his wife Sherri of Virginia Beach, VA, and Steven Trader and his wife, Aimee of Clifton Park, NY; two grandchildren, Elli and Evan Trader; a brother, Jonathan Trader and his wife, Joyce of Laurel DE; brothers-in-law William McCulley of Albuquerque, NM and Douglas McCulley of Preston, MD; sister-in-law Anneli McCulley, of Marlborough, MA; and many nieces and nephews.
After graduation from Vienna H.S. in Vienna, MD, Dave received a BS degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, an MS degree from Purdue University and a PhD from Florida State University in Biochemistry. He worked for over 32 years in the paper industry, retiring from International Paper in 1998, having been the General Manager of Strathmore Paper in Westfield. Over the years he was active on many business committees, the Board of Trustees at Western New England University, the Board of Trustees of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and the President of the former Old Dominion Area Council of the BSA in Virginia.
Upon retiring he worked for many years doing feasibility studies for community colleges all over the country. He loved his work and was 100% behind our community college system. Dave was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles and Words with Friends. He loved travel and outdoor activities such as cycling, canoeing and golfing. He coached YMCA youth basketball in his “younger” years and played at the YMCA into his 50s. He was a great fan of the Patriots and the UCONN girls basketball team. Most of all, he enjoyed socializing and interacting with people. He was dearly loved by all his family and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 2 from 3 pm to 6 pm at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad St, Westfield, MA. Burial will be at a later date in Vienna, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, TD Bank Building, 1441 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103, or to the High Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 218, Franklin, VA 23851.
