Name: Calling hours for RICHARD E. ADAMO
Start: 2014-01-03T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-01-04T00:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Church

ADAMO, Richard E. Of Nahant died on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House of Danvers with his devoted wife Jeanne at his side. He was sixty-seven years old. Born and raised in Lynn, he graduated from Classical High School in 1964. He attended Boston University on a full academic scholarship and graduated magna cum laude in 1968 earning a B.A. in English Literature and then earned his Masters in Library Science (MLS) with honors from Simmons University. Richard worked as the Head Librarian at the Essex County Law Library in Salem, Massachusetts for over 30 years, where he earned the utmost respect from the bench, bar, and public. He won several awards over the years including the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Unsung Hero award and the Essex County Bar Association Presidents award. This past October, the Lynn Bar Association honored him by creating the Richard E. Adamo Service Award. It is an honor that will be awarded each year to an individual who exemplifies the high level of service demonstrated by Richard throughout his life. Richard was named as the first recipient and a plaque with his name and all future recipients names will hang in the Lynn District Court. This past November, in recognition of his over thirty years of unparalleled service as Head Law Librarian, the Essex County Bar Association honored Richard by commissioning a portrait that will hang in the Essex County Law Library in Salem, Massachusetts. The portrait was unveiled at a ceremony on November 20th where over 100 colleagues, friends, and family gathered to honor his legacy of work and service. Richard helped anyone, anywhere. He never ceased to look for people in need and to do whatever it took to meet that need. He served as the chairman of the Nahant Historical Commission for many years, was an active member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, and for over 15 years was a leader in the St. Thomas Aquinas chapter of St. Vincent De Paul, a church group dedicated to helping those in need in whatever capacity necessary. Richard served as president of the group for many years, and under his leadership the groups charitable works spread as far as Haiti, where the group sponsored the building of a drinking well, and as close as the greater Nahant community, where the group has helped countless individuals facing hard times. Richards legacy of charitable work will be carried forward through the Jeanne C. and Richard E. Adamo Foundation, a charitable organization founded by his daughters and their families. Richard is survived by the love of his life, his wife Jeanne (Piasecki) Adamo. The couple has been together since they were 16 years old, and recently celebrated the 51st anniversary of their first date at the Fall Frolic at Classical High School. This past June they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by daughter Jennifer (Adamo) Grenier and her family, husband Matthew Grenier and children Isabelle and Nate of Rowley, MA and daughter Elizabeth (Adamo) Usman and her family, husband Jeffrey Usman and son Emmett of Nashville, TN. His mother, Jennie Adamo of Lynn, mother-in-law Genevieve Piasecki of Nahant, his beloved extended family including his brother in law Charles Piasecki of Vergennes, VT, two sisters-in-law, Linda Piasecki of Vergennes, VT and Colleen Adamo of Lynn. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews on the Adamo and Piasecki sides of the family. Two godchildren, Lincoln Collins of Nahant and William Pasquale of Salem. Many beloved friends that Richard considered family and his beloved dogs, Daisy and Chloe. He was preceded in death by his father Vito Adamo Sr., his brother Vito Adamo, Jr., and his father-in-law Charles P. Piasecki. Visiting hours will be held in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 248 Nahant Rd., Nahant, MA of Friday, January 3rd from 4:00-7:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday, January 4th in the church at 11:30AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Interment in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nahant. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jeanne C. and Richard E. Adamo Foundation. Checks may be made payable to Jennifer Grenier, President, P.O. Box 160, Nahant, MA 01908. To send the family a condolence please visit www.everettfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 30, 2013 to Jan. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD ADAMO

30 Entries

Jim Walsh

December 24, 2023

It is Christmas Eve, 2023. Opening my computer this morning, I was asked to remember Richard Adamo. What a great gift.

Richie was a great neighbor. He had a wonderful, warm smile, a sparkle in his eyes, and thick, flowing, curly hair that I envy still.

I knew him most as a fellow citizen. He represented the very essence of what it was to be a "good citizen." On public questions he expressed his opinions clearly, articulately, and in a manner well within the norms of good American citizenship. On one important issue in our community, we disagreed...but Richie was never disagreeable. There was always a smile lurking behind any argument.

Perhaps the last time I saw Richard Adamo was in the Fall of 2013. I was walking down Prospect Street, hand-in-hand with my oldest granddaughter, Sage. Jeanne was slowly driving Richie along a route they had so often walked. Jeanne slowed even more so that Richie could wave. As he did so I knew he knew how much I loved that nine year old and just for a moment, I think, somewhere in his heart, he shared that love.

If there was anyone capable of sharing love in the world, it was Richie Adamo. Being able to remember him is, indeed, a great gift.

Jim Walsh

December 24, 2020

Richie Adamo was a truly extraordinary man. I knew him as a person active in our community. We happened to disagree on a particular issue in town but I never for a moment doubted his personal integrity. He was honest, forthright, kind and, as far as I can tell, he actually lived up to every moral precept to which he gave voice. I don't want to remember him on this anniversary of his passing. What I really want is to see his broad smile and flowing hair, walking hand-in-hand with Jeanie. Ah...but I will have to depend on my memory for that. I feel fortunate to be able to do so.

Jim Walsh

December 24, 2019

Richie Adamo will always hold a special place in my memory as a good, honest, forthright man who reflected his love for his family in his community activities. If there was a positive contribution to be made, he made it. If someone need his help, he gave it. And even at his most serious and determined, in the end, there was always room for a laugh and a smile.

kathleen tilden

July 25, 2017

richard was so wonderful I loved him so much, and he married the most wonderful person, Jeanne is the best person in the whole wide world. I send my best thoughts and prayers to his family. I love them so much.

Barbara Knowles

January 18, 2014

An eternal candle for Richard is lit.

Peter F. Brady, Jr.

January 16, 2014

I was so terribly saddened to hear that Richard passed away this afternoon. He was a wonderful man and so very kind to me and my father. When I was in the library today, I saw my father's portrait hanging on the wall just as Rich had promised. I never got a chance to say thank you. Thank you Rich. My deepest condolences on your loss.

January 8, 2014

Classy, Classy guy.

January 8, 2014

Dear Jeanne, Jennifer & Elizabeth,
My wife and I were truly saddened when we got the news of Richie's passing. He will be missed, not only by his immediate family, but by countless others who called him their friend.
We were driving south to Florida when we got the word, otherwise we surely would have been at the service to support you and pay our respects to a wonderful man who left us too soon.
I was a close friend of Vito and have known Richie since we were at Classical, but it wasn't until the last few years that we bonded as we walked our beloved dogs and spoke of many topics.
I especially enjoyed reading Jennifer's tribute and all of the words of advice they remember from their Dad. I could hear his voice as I read them!
Please know that the Adamo Family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and that if we can assist you in any way all you need do is call.
Sincerely,
Mike & Maddie Tanen

January 7, 2014

I was extremely saddened by the news of Richard's passing. As a young lawyer, he was a great mentor for me...More importantly, he taught me the importance of family, love, compassion, integrity and honor. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He was a special person

Ralph N. Cecere

January 4, 2014

Dear Jeanne,Jennifer & Elizabeth
We are so sorry to hear of Richie's passing. He was a great man. He always had a smile on his face and would always make you feel comfortable. He will be truly missed. Rest in Peace, Richie.
Love Patty Dellisola,Dorene Serrao &
Julie Conrad
Stoneham Mass.

Bob Marley

January 4, 2014

To the Adamo Family:
Richard was by far one of the most selfless people I have ever met. I was saddened by the news of his passing and he will be sorely missed. I cannot imagine walking into the law library and not seeing Richard. He will certainly reside among the angels.
My deepest sympathy to the Adamo Family.
Bob Marley

January 3, 2014

Dear Jeanne,
My brother Tom called me to tell me the sad news about one of my oldest friends dating back to Lynn Corbett Junior High School. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to see Rich again over Elaine's house a couple of years ago and to reminisce about the good ole days. Rich sat in front of me in our 7th grade English class and we started our wonderful friendship by passing notes back and forth to each other in class. In 9th grade we attended our prom together but we were always just good buddies who enjoyed a lot of laughs together. And yes, I was there 57 years ago when I pointed Rich out to you at one of our school assemblies at Classical High School and told you what a great guy he was- the rest is history! Jeanne - you are one of the most fortunate gals I know because you have had the love and devotion and the most wonderful marriage to such a warm,special person. May your many cherished memories help sustain you and your family through this most difficult and saddest of times.
With Love,
Janet Demakes Andreson

Jennifer Adamo Grenier

January 3, 2014

Some words are important enough to repeat again. Some are so profound they repeat in your thoughts all by themselves, popping up at different times in your life.
You may be familiar with the book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulgham. He published a series of sayings and stories he collected over the years. My sister and I have also come to know a set of truths ~ our own “Dadisms”. We feel compelled to share some of them with you.
All We Really Need to Know We Learned from Our Dad (and Mom)
• Be nicer than you have to.
• Say yes often.
• Treat children with respect. Don't talk down to them. They can tell and they don't like it.
• Do things for others.
• Books are a gift. They are the window to the world and are meant to be shared.
• Have fun.
• It's better to arrive late and safely than be there on time and drive recklessly. (Those of you who know us understand punctuality is not an Adamo trait.)
• Family is everything. Be there for each other. Take care of each other.
• There is no such thing as spoiling your kids.
• “Bed time” is really a rough estimate of when your kids should go to sleep.
• Be genuine.
• Have empathy. Never underestimate the simple joys in life, such as what a gift a hot shower is. Some people in the world are not as fortunate as we are.
• Remember birthdays.
• Have faith.
• People appreciate kind acts. (A close family friend once gave dad the bumper sticker Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Beauty because he immediately thought of dad when he saw it.)
• Be respectful ~ not just to the people you know but also to strangers
• Always have a dollar in your pocket for a performer in the subway.
• Stand up for yourself.
• Dirty Dancing isn't just a movie …it's a style of dancing perfected over years of practice.
• Be silly.
• Laughter is a gift. Laugh hard, laugh often, and laugh together.
• The Dewey Decimal System is a great thing.
• You don't have to be Irish to enjoy Irish music. (Every Sunday my dad … and our neighbors … would listen to hours upon hours of the Irish radio station as he tended to the garden or worked on projects.)
• If you have a project, dad has (at least one) tool for that.
• You can never be too organized. It may take years of eating peanut butter and saving the glass jars, but you, too, can organize your nails and screws by size and type.
• Listen to your mother.
• Count your blessings.
• Do what you love. You may have many jobs in your life to pay the bills, but choose a career that makes you happy.
• Take things with a grain of salt. (This was my dad's way of saying, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, before it was popular.)
• If you're upset with someone, some things are better left unsaid. You may regret saying them later.
• At one time or another, we all say things we regret. Say sorry when you need to.
• Real painters don't use a roller on a ceiling.
• In terms of movie ratings, PG stands for “pretty good” and R means “really good”.
• Movies made for children beat the pants off of movies with serious themes.
• You may get old, but you don't ever have to grow up.
• Take pleasure in the simple things in life …like walking the dogs or sitting with you sweetheart.
• Making a list or an outline helps to organize your task.
• Putting things in alphabetical order brings joy. (Izzy and Nate once put their Halloween candy in ABC order “for fun” with my dad. He also alphabetized his list of thank-you's to write for the warm wishes and acts of kindness you shared.)
• Halloween is meant to be celebrated in costume.
• Make the world a better place by being in it.
• We are just passing through this world. We don't get to stay. That's how it's supposed to be.
• Have a great day. Enjoy your day. (This is the last thing dad would say to us as we left the house each day. It's what I'll leave you with.)

January 2, 2014

Dear Jeanne , Elizabeth , Jennifer and families,

We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather , and a wonderful cherished friend to all who knew Richie. May God bless each of you. God has embraced Richie peacefully in His arms.
Please except our deepest sympathy, with love.

Janet and Jim Dolan and Family

Pat Collins

January 1, 2014

Dear Jeanne:
You and Richie were always there for my grandson, Lincoln, and I deeply appreciate that. Your husband was such a positive male role model for the young boy and now the young man. My heart goes out to you in this loss of a wonderful human being and dear husband.

ERIC ALPERT

January 1, 2014

A GREAT MAN !!! WILL TRULY BE MISSED

Jim Walsh

December 31, 2013

It is almost midnight on New Year's Eve. I was one of eight Nahanters who drank a toast to the memory of this extraordinary man. Two at the table were relatively new to Nahant and the rest of us took great pleasure remembering the role Richie played in a difficult period in our town. He was the best of neighbors and as fine a citizen as our town has ever known.

Debra Adamo

December 31, 2013

Jeanne, Elizabeth, and Jennifer,
I am so sorry for your loss. Richie was a brilliant and empathetic person. I will miss my cousin. Deb Adamo

Jason Markle

December 31, 2013

Rest in peace Richie. You will be deeply missed.

Barbara Schneider

December 31, 2013

Richie's presence among us will always be felt. His perfect stewardship of the Salem Law Library's collections and his hardworking commitment to service has long been like a beacon to all of us in the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries. He will never be forgotten.

Harry MacNeill

December 31, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Richie's loved ones. He was a true friend to so many. I will always remember his kindness, strength, character, and joy.

Jeanne Desmarais

December 30, 2013

I will miss your warm smile, as well as your ever present availability to all . God Bless , and rest in his arms.

Barbara Knowles

December 30, 2013

My deepest to the family and friends. Richard was a wonderful man. He will always be remembered for his kindness and he will be missed. I worked with Richard at the Salem Law Library and he was always so helpful to me. Barbara Knowles & Family

Vanessa Locke

December 30, 2013

He was simply the kindest and most decent man I have ever known. He always made us laugh and he loved his family beyond measure. I will never forget him!

Kimberly O'Brien-Long

December 30, 2013

My thoughts are with you all. I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Adamo's passing.

David DiPietro

December 30, 2013

Dear Jeanne, Jennifer and Liz,
He was an exceptional man and role model for so many. My prayers are with each of you.

Rosemary Bevins

December 30, 2013

Dear Jeanne , Liz and Jen- I am one of so many people whose life Richie touched. His strength in character, respect for all people and tremendous smile will always be remembered.

Jane Leary Levesque

December 30, 2013

Dear Jeanne, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Family,
I will miss everything about Richard. He was a wonderful friend and mentor. He loved his family more than anything in this world! I know his love will live on in the your hearts. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be greatly missed... with love Jane Leary Levesque

December 30, 2013

It is an honor to know such a tremendous man. All who knew him would agree that there was a light that glowed around Richie. His light will always be here and glow for each person who was a part of his life. He will be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Jeanne, Jen, and Liz.
Love, Betsey and George

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