WESTFIELD – Ted A. Gage, Jr., of Westfield MA, passed away on August 22nd, 2023, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1940, Ted grew up in 
Denver CO and attended West High School before joining the United States Navy in 1957. He proudly served seven years in the reserves and on active duty as an aircraft mechanic aboard the USS Ticonderoga. He married his wife Anne (Apuzzo) in 1961 and resided in Bayport NY where he served 10 years as a firefighter. Additionally, Ted lived in Columbus OH, and Russell MA before settling in Westfield MA for 25 years. Together they raised the family he always wished for, and he was an incredibly dedicated husband, Dad, and “Grampy”. He retired from his own business, TAG Communications, and from Lucent Technologies where he served 37 years initially as a telephone lineman and installer, then as a business telephone system specialist.
He was a lifetime Denver Broncos fan and an avid golfer known for his themed knickers and cap. He loved live music of every kind and any opportunity to get up and dance “like no one was watching”. His friendly hello, silly jokes, and ability to connect with others made him recognized and beloved by the community. As a proud patriot, his passion was to honor fellow veterans. He dedicated his retirement years to The American Legion Post 124 in Westfield MA where he served as a member of the Legion Honor Guard and Rifle Detail. He served as Post 124 Commander for two years and spent many more years in projects supporting the American Legion mission. He regretted not getting to see the fulfillment of his dream to have the Post 124 historic building safely reconstructed and made fully accessible to disabled veterans.
He was predeceased by his wife Anne of 51 years, his parents Ted Alvis Gage and Wilda Fern Gage (Brillhart), his sister Patricia Klune (Gage), his brother Don, and his beloved son Ted Anthony.
He leaves behind his daughter Luanne Gage of Westfield to cherish his memory, along with his daughter-in-law Lisa Gage and grandchildren Madison and Christopher Gage of Westfield, many nieces and nephews who considered him a second dad, and his dear friends and veteran family at American Legion Post 124.
Calling hours will be Friday, September 1st from 4-7 at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, in Westfield. The funeral will be held Saturday, September 2nd at 11:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter and St. Casimir Church, 28 State Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ted’s name can be made to the American Legion Post 124 Reconstruction and Endowment Fund, 38 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Firtionadams.com
