John Xavier Adiletta
BERNARDSVILLE, N.J. — John Xavier Adiletta, 77, of Bernardsville passed away on Jan. 12, 2026.
Son of the late Joseph George Adiletta and Claire Fischer Adiletta, John was born in Westbury, N.Y., and raised in Greenwich, before moving to Thompson, during his high school years.
The eldest of six children, John valued family above all else.  He was industrious, self-reliant and, as his stories often illustrated, unafraid to occasionally break the rules. 
A graduate of Clark University, John became a respected business leader and seasoned executive with a long career of shaping and growing companies in the telecommunications, technology and corporate services sectors.  He was widely recognized for his vision, strategic leadership and his ability to guide organizations through periods of growth and transition.
He served as president and chief executive officer of Aquis Communications Group, Inc., a company he co-founded and helped transform into a full-service telecommunications provider.  He also served in executive leadership and director roles for a range of companies and was sought after for his sharp intellect, decisive manner and extensive experience in operations, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
More than anything else, John was most proud of his two children, Joe and Julie.  He never laughed harder or opened his arms wider than when he was with them.  As they grew their own families, John delighted in their successes, the funny stories that always followed, and time spent with their partners and children.   He loved nothing more than sharing a special meal together or thoughtfully helping them think through a problem.
John will be deeply missed by his son, Joseph (Erin) Adiletta; daughter Julie (Dave) Boyle; and grandchildren Lincoln, Amelia, Casey Jasper, Damon and Maeve.  He also leaves behind his beloved partner of 25 years, Barbara Baecht; and siblings, William (Susan) Adiletta, Patricia (Jeffry) Brigman, Joseph (Dawn) Adiletta, Mark (Debra) Adiletta and Matthew (Karen) Adiletta.  He is survived by 17 nieces and nephews, about whom he enjoyed receiving updates; and his longtime friend and mother of his children, Lynn Szafran.
His family and friends will miss his exuberant hugs, his hearty laugh and his appreciation for quantitative analysis.  He was deeply loved.
Details regarding services and memorial arrangements will be shared with family and friends.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Christmas is for Children/Holiday Hope at https://www.holidayhopechildren.org/donations; or at Holiday Hope, P.O. Box 214, Basking Ridge, N.J.  07920.  Arrangements are by Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main St., Bedminster.

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Lorna J.P. Wade
DUDLEY — Lorna J.P. (Pleau) Wade, 77, of Sunset Drive, Dudley, died Jan. 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of Joseph L. “Jay” Wade. Born June 12, 1948, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Yvette (Demers) Pleau.
Lorna was a teacher at Thompson Elementary School for five years and retired from Putnam Middle School after teaching fifth and sixth grade language arts for 30 years. While teaching at Putnam Middle School she was awarded Teacher of the Year and served as the president of the Putnam Education Association for 17 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria College and her master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Lorna took great pride in her volunteer work within the community. She was a member of the Putnam Lion’s Club for 10 years and president for two years. She taught Lamaze Birthing classes at Day Kimball Hospital for 15 years. Lorna was a member of the Putnam United Methodist Church since 1997, where she participated in the choir, was the head of spiritual education, and a lay leader. She was also a member of the Dudley Women’s Club for 19 years. Lorna played varsity basketball for Tourtellotte Memorial High School and coached the Putnam Middle School girls’ basketball team for many years. Lorna had a lifelong love of music, which brought her much joy. She was an avid reader, lover of art, gardening, and passionate about her French-Canadian heritage. She enjoyed traveling with her family to Cape Cod, the White Mountains, Hilton Head, Quebec, Bermuda, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and France. She also enjoyed visiting our National Parks. Some of her favorite moments were sitting around the table with her family, playing games, or sharing a meal.
She leaves two daughters, Anja E. Wade of Thompson, and Zoe R. Wade of Dudley; three sons, Aaron P. Wade (Charlotte) of Wickford, R.I., Ryan C. Wade (Kelley) of Wayland, Mass., Nicholas D. Wade (Leah) of W. Warwick, R.I.; two granddaughters, Claire Wade and Georgia Wade; four brothers, Jeffrey Pleau of Dudley, David Therrien of Gray, Maine, Robert Therrien of Putnam, Gerard Therrien of Esmont, Vir.; sister, Sherry Ann Lavallee of Putnam;  nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Pleau.
There will be a Memorial Service for Lorna in the spring at the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam followed by a reception in the church hall. Donations: Daily Bread Food Pantry, PO Box 281, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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