Kerry Wade Hadley

Kerry Wade Hadley, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2026. He was born on August 10, 1964, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kenneth and Dorothy Hadley. He was raised in Cottonwood Heights, graduated from Valley High School, and contently spent his life in the Salt Lake City area.

Kerry was an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman. He loved sharing stories of his fly-fishing trips and floating excursions along various rivers, proudly showing the fish he caught. Camping and off-roading with his loyal friends brought him great joy and always left him smiling. The outdoors were, and always will be, the place where he felt most at peace. He especially treasured the time he spent fishing and enjoying nature with his late father, Kenneth Hadley, cherishing those moments together as father and son.

Kerry built a career in painting and worked for Above the Rest Painting for 15 years as a foreman, specializing in interior and exterior painting, epoxy, and specialty coatings. He was grateful for the support of his friend and employer, Jeff Payne, throughout those years. Those who saw his work knew he was in his natural element. His keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence made him exceptionally well suited to his craft.

His talents extended far beyond painting—Kerry was truly a jack of all trades. If something needed to be fixed, built, or modified, he would find a way to do it—and do it well. He was also an exceptional cook and former sushi chef. Carrying on a gift inherited from both his mother and father, he had a natural talent for preparing meals with love and care. He was well known for his cooking, and his golden curry was especially appreciated by all who had the pleasure of enjoying it.

Kerry had an uplifting spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved teasing and pranking those around him, always finding joy in making others laugh. Affectionately known as the “Fun Uncle” or “Funcle,” his birthday cards were guaranteed to bring laughter, often accompanied by thoughtful gifts. He had a deep love for his nieces and nephews and treasured every moment spent with them. They adored him just as much as they loved playing in the toy room of the home where he grew up—a place now filled with laughter and cherished memories. He was also a devoted companion to his mother, Dorothy, especially after the passing of her husband, Kenneth, last year. He remained faithfully by her side, offering comfort, strength, and steady support whenever she needed him.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Hadley; his sisters, Sheri Brown (Robert) and Jodie Grundmann (Cory); and his nieces and nephews, Adam Brown (Katie), Katelin Bell (Douglas), Lauren Grundmann, Cameron Grundmann, Jax Bell, Sophie Brown, Theo Grundmann, and Kaiya Bell. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ray Hadley, in 2025. We take comfort in believing they are now reunited—fishing side by side once more and embracing one another with the warmest of hugs. Kerry always did his very best, remained grateful, and freely shared words of encouragement. He cherished every moment with his family and brought immense joy to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Kerry, we love you!

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 2, at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 AM and services to follow at 11:00 AM.