Wayne E. Eldridge, Sr., 75, of Carver, died March 12, at Forestview Nursing Home in Wareham, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness. He was the husband of Virginia M. (Boyd) Eldridge and predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy (Fearing) Eldridge.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Maxine L. Eldridge of W. Hyannisport and Harry Eldridge of NJ. He was also the beloved son-in-law of the late John “Fred” Fearing and Marjorie Fearing.

He is survived by his three sons, Byron L. Eldridge and wife, Martha Sempos, of Osterville, Wayne E. Eldridge, Jr. and wife, Tracey, of Mashpee and Steven Eldridge and wife, Sherrie, of Wareham. He was the loving step-father to Michele (Houdlette) Myers and fiancé, Rob, of Rochester, Martha (Houdlette) Holmes and husband, Brad, of Onset, Michael Houdlette and wife, Kim, of Wareham, and former son-in-law Todd Myers of West Wareham. He was Grampy to 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren who meant the world to him. He also leaves a sister, Barbara Martin and husband, Alfred, of Cotuit, along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law of the Fearing, Boyd, and Chepren families, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Harry Eldridge of Florida, Ronald Eldridge of W. Hyannisport, Brice Eldridge and wife, Kay, of Chatham and Florida, and his sister, June Eldridge, of W. Hyannisport. He was also predeceased by his nephew, Mark Eldridge, of Chatham.

Wayne was very proud of his service with the U.S. Navy, and served on the USS Arcadia. He was employed for many years by New England Refrigeration and Heating Inc. and later was co-owner of the GWC Refrigeration & Heating, Inc., in Wareham, until his retirement. He was a past call member of the Wareham Fire Dept. Wayne was a member of the Cromesett Tribe #156 Improved Order of the Redmen, of which he held the office of Sachem, and the North Shore Clam Diggers RV Club. Wayne enjoyed traveling, painting, drafting and planning projects for friends and family, and he was a perfectionist in all his endeavors.

Services were held. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wareham Firemen’s Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Wareham Fire Dept., 273 Main St., Wareham, MA 02571 or the Cromesett Tribe #156 Improved Order of the Redmen Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 749, West Wareham, MA 02576. For online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.