David Ladd

WORCESTER - David Ladd left his earthly existence March 28, 2025, one month shy of his 97th birthday. David was a devoted father and husband, showering his children and wife with loving care, and instilling and modeling the values of honesty, integrity and humor. David was predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, Ruth. He leaves his three children, Francine Sohn, of Pacific Palisades CA and Edgartown, MA, Lewis Ladd, of Corvallis Oregon and Gainesville, FL, and Alan Ladd, of Colrain, MA. He leaves a sister, Ruth Bibace of Worcester, and was predeceased by sister Millie Kessler by just a few months. David was the son of Jewish immigrants, Frank and Annie Ladizinsky, who fled eastern Europe in the twenties, and cobbled together a simple hardscrabble life in Worcester’s east side, raising three children.

David was a Word War ll veteran, though he was exposed to nothing more pernicious than antisemitic insults from ignorant southerners in Pensacola Florida.

After an unsuccessful jewelry store attempt following GI Bill-funded watchmaker school, as a young father, David performed a series of humble jobs to support his family for over forty years. Insurance salesman, warehouse shipper-receiver, department store manager, forklift operator –all followed a pattern, lacking opportunity for advancement, with increasing demands on David’s hard work and desire to please, sometimes stretched to his breaking point. But he never complained.

Throughout his life, joy and satisfaction came from his marriage, family and friends, and his faithful practice of Judaism.

He retired as soon as he was eligible for social security.

He was a lifelong blood donor, emblematic of his commitment to life-- l’chaim.

His long retirement years were highlighted by time spent with family and friends, tennis, and travel, especially winters in Palm Springs at his daughter and son-in-law Roger’s golf condo, Ruth his constant companion.

He also leaves behind Francine’s children; Joshua Sohn, and his wife Amy, and their children, (David’s great-grandchildren), Benjamin and Adam, Matthew Sohn, of Scottsdale Arizona, and Jonathan Sohn, of Santa Monica, CA; Lewis’s children, Samuel Stocks-Ladd, of Bend, Oregon, and Jonah Stocks-Ladd, of New Orleans, LA; and Alan’s life partner, Marilyn Beal. He also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces and extended family, and friends, including still, a few friends from his childhood days on Arlington Street, Worcester, the last of a vibrant circle who shared joys and sorrows for decade after decade.

The family wishes to thank the devoted staff of the Eisenberg Assisted Living Residence, David’s home for eight years, and Charlene Manor, Greenfield, where David spent his last months, for their skill and loving attention. So many of these fine people came to love David, whose endearing essence was plain to see until the very end.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 1 at the Eisenberg Assisted Living Residence in Worcester with interment following at Holy Society Cemetery, Leicester. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. In memory of David, please consider a contribution to any progressive cause.