Obituary for John J. Adams
MELROSE - John J. Adams, 77, of River Rd, died peacefully surrounded by his loving and devoted family in the comfort of his home on July 12, 2022. He was born on February 3, 1945 in Chelsea, MA son of the late Charles Adams and Margaret Walsh Adams.
John attended St. Paul’s Parochial School, graduated from Catholic Central in 1962 and furthered his education with degrees from HVCC, SUNY Potsdam, and finally NYU where he received his Master’s degree in Southeast Asian History. He joined the US Army and proudly served his country from 1967-71.
After returning home from the service, he began his thirty year career at General Electric, Waterford. He was instrumental in the IUE Local 359 Union where due to his compassion and understanding of his union brothers, he was voted into increasingly important positions. In 1991 he was elected union president, a position he served proudly until his retirement in 2002. John’s negotiating skills earned him many accolades, including a lifetime achievement award from IUE Region 3, and the appreciation and support of the union faithful.
He was a longtime member and past president of the Hemstreet Park Fire Department and was a supporter of many local charities and organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Assumption/St. Paul Parish in Mechanicville, where he and his brother once served as alter boys.
At home, he was an avid reader and talented writer who enjoyed keeping daily journals of his home and family, which included the athletic and academic achievements of his grandchildren. He was their number one fan attending all their games and activities with his daughter Meghan by his side. Sunday visits with his children and grandchildren were always the highlight of his week. He lived on his beloved land by the Hudson river for 45 years. He was an avid UCONN women’s basketball fan, often rewatching games and reliving the joy of their victory. John most enjoyed his quiet time in the morning with his wife Ellen doing crossword puzzles and discussing the news of the world and their many shared interests.
In 2017, John lost his son Charlie, but his family takes comfort knowing they are now reunited. He was also predeceased his parents Charles and Margaret and brother Tom.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 51 years, Ellen Jewett Adams, who he married on August 21, 1971, his children Meghan(Vincent) Rapacciuolo and Michael(Nirisa) Adams, grandchildren Vivian, Ashley, Vincent, Zachary, Grace, Everest and Savanna, sister Charlene(Fred) LaRose and their children Jason and Joyell, as well as several in laws and nieces and nephews and his faithful dog Rocky.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday July 17 from 2-4PM at DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 S Main St., Mechanicville, with a funeral home service starting immediately after at 4PM. John’s family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 510 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in his memory.
John attended St. Paul’s Parochial School, graduated from Catholic Central in 1962 and furthered his education with degrees from HVCC, SUNY Potsdam, and finally NYU where he received his Master’s degree in Southeast Asian History. He joined the US Army and proudly served his country from 1967-71.
After returning home from the service, he began his thirty year career at General Electric, Waterford. He was instrumental in the IUE Local 359 Union where due to his compassion and understanding of his union brothers, he was voted into increasingly important positions. In 1991 he was elected union president, a position he served proudly until his retirement in 2002. John’s negotiating skills earned him many accolades, including a lifetime achievement award from IUE Region 3, and the appreciation and support of the union faithful.
He was a longtime member and past president of the Hemstreet Park Fire Department and was a supporter of many local charities and organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Assumption/St. Paul Parish in Mechanicville, where he and his brother once served as alter boys.
At home, he was an avid reader and talented writer who enjoyed keeping daily journals of his home and family, which included the athletic and academic achievements of his grandchildren. He was their number one fan attending all their games and activities with his daughter Meghan by his side. Sunday visits with his children and grandchildren were always the highlight of his week. He lived on his beloved land by the Hudson river for 45 years. He was an avid UCONN women’s basketball fan, often rewatching games and reliving the joy of their victory. John most enjoyed his quiet time in the morning with his wife Ellen doing crossword puzzles and discussing the news of the world and their many shared interests.
In 2017, John lost his son Charlie, but his family takes comfort knowing they are now reunited. He was also predeceased his parents Charles and Margaret and brother Tom.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 51 years, Ellen Jewett Adams, who he married on August 21, 1971, his children Meghan(Vincent) Rapacciuolo and Michael(Nirisa) Adams, grandchildren Vivian, Ashley, Vincent, Zachary, Grace, Everest and Savanna, sister Charlene(Fred) LaRose and their children Jason and Joyell, as well as several in laws and nieces and nephews and his faithful dog Rocky.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday July 17 from 2-4PM at DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 S Main St., Mechanicville, with a funeral home service starting immediately after at 4PM. John’s family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 510 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in his memory.