Ronald Wade’s lifelong love of learning fueled a journalism career that started on the Chicago Tribune’s copy desk and took him to newsrooms across the country, where he readily made himself available as a mentor to younger colleagues.
Wade, 62, died of pancreatic cancer Jan. 25 at St. Louis University Hospital, according to his family.
Wade was born June 2, 1954, in Chicago and was valedictorian at what is now King College Prep High School in Hyde Park, according to his daughter Tasha. He received a bachelor of arts degree in East Asian Studies from Harvard University in 1976 and was fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, she said.
"From the first grade through the end of college, he never missed a day of school unless there was a holiday or the school was closed," said his sister, Sheila Wade. "That’s who he was."
Wade began his journalism career on the Tribune’s copy desk and worked in several other newsrooms, including the Washington Post, Buffalo-Courier Express, Newsday and the Louisville Times.
"Journalism gave him the opportunity to learn new things and focus on different subjects. That was his passion," his sister said.
Wade later became assistant managing editor for news at the Minneapolis-Star Tribune and remained in that position for 11 years. Colleen Stoxen, deputy managing editor at the Star-Tribune, said Wade was a "dedicated, respected and really witty newsroom leader."
"Those of us who worked with him remember a generous and big-hearted mentor, always ready with good advice or a good wisecrack. We’re fortunate that we had the chance to learn from him and laugh with him," Stoxen said in an emailed statement.
Wade later worked as deputy news and sports editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer for 11 years before joining the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2006.
"Ron possessed great intellect and news judgment in his vital role as news editor," said Post-Dispatch Editor Gilbert Bailon. "But even more important, Ron was beloved because of class, grace and a great sense of humor."
He was a longtime member of the National Association of Black Journalists and served as a mentor to young reporters, including former Post-Dispatch colleague Marlon Walker.
"I can’t put into words what Ron Wade meant to me," said Walker, NABJ’s vice president of print. "He always made himself available to me, either as a journalist, a source of endless information or someone who had seen so much of this country and knew all the best places to eat."
Friends and family remembered Wade as well-traveled and well-read, a collector of vinyl records and a devoted Cubs fan.
"Even in my adult life, my dad was a great help in terms of offering advice and support," his daughter said. "When he was home, that was family time. When he was at work, that was work time. He was a great person."
Wade also is survived by his wife, Mollie; two other daughters, Sharon and Lisa; and four sons, Shawn, Dei-ontae, Aaron and Jaden.
A service was held.
nmoreno@chicagotribune.com
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