Wade Fuller Jr. passed away suddenly on July 10, 2026, in Jackson Heights, NY.

Wade was born in South Bend, Indiana to Wade Fuller Sr. from Indianola, Mississippi and Beautha Fuller from Union Springs, Alabama. Growing up, he had a penchant for basketball spending hours on the court honing his skill. After graduating from Central High School, he attended Loyola University Chicago on a full basketball scholarship.

Wade played forward/guard for the Loyola Chicago Ramblers from 1966 to 1970 where he was known for his panther quick speed and his faultless corner shot.

Following his senior year in 1970, Wade was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals. That year's draft class remains famous for holding the record for the most prospects selected in a single NBA draft. Because of the intense competition, Wade always lamented entering the league in 1970 rather than 1971, the year he would have naturally graduated had he not skipped a grade in elementary school.

Leaving college – and competitive basketball – behind, Wade spent the next several years working and traveling. He initially took a position as a parole officer in Chicago, an onerous job that tested his trust in the justice system. Seeking a change, he left Chicago for Springfield, Illinois to work in his brother’s fish store. Having had his fill of retail life, Wade packed up his Porsche and headed west for California where he took on a variety of roles, most notably as an apprentice working in housing construction. But being adventurous by nature, Wade could never stay still for long. On his most daring venture, he and two friends bought a sailboat and took off from Miami for the Bahamas—a treacherous trip he almost did not survive.

Having satisfied his wanderlust, he returned to the states and New York in 1975 to marry his college love, Deborah. They had 2 children and a marriage that lasted 50 years. In those years, Wade worked as a math and social studies teacher, eventually becoming founding Principal of the School for Excellence in the Bronx, championing it in progressive education; served as Grand Master at his Masonic Temple; and traveled extensively with his wife. He became a wine aficionado and a Tai Chi master. In the most recent years, he became absorbed in genealogy and with many hours of research was able to trace his family roots all the way back to the 1400’s!

Ultimately, Wade was unconventional, curious, and a natural leader – the kind of person who commanded a presence in any room. Yet, he was also an avid reader who loved the quiet thrill of bird watching and riding his bicycle, watching soccer matches and Formula 1 races, or sharing good food and fine wine with friends. Wade simply possessed a zeal for the world around him. He loved life—frequently reminding those he left behind of his favorite truth: “Life is good.”

Wade is survived by his dear wife, Deborah; his daughter, Amanda; his son, Wade III; his grandchildren, Sloane, Autumn, Willow, and Linden; and his sisters, Nancy and Beautha. He will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as the many friends and colleagues who were fortunate to know him and who will greatly miss him.