Lawrence J. McAdams Jr.

Lawrence McAdams Obituary

McADAMS, Lawrence J., Jr. 87 of 83 Heights Road, Gilford, NH died Saturday, February 19, 2011. He was born March 31, 1923 in Boston, Mass. the son of Lawrence J. and Mary Ann (Lennon) McAdams, Sr. He graduated from Boston English High School in 1941. He served in the US Navy during WWII and was on the USS Luzon in the Pacific as a Machinist's Mate First Class. He was a firefighter for the Boston Fire Department from 1946 until 1981. During his time with the fire department he served on the Fire Boat, Ladder 8 and was Captain of Rescue-I at the Oliver Street Station. His father Lawrence J. McAdams, Sr. was also a Captain on the Boston Fire Dept. from 1912-1958. Lawrence was extremely proud that his grandson, Keith Lawrence Espinola, recently began his career with the Boston Fire Dept. on January 25, 2011. Survivors include his wife of 62 years Ruth Alice (Stanton) McAdams of Gilford; 3 daughters Donna McAdams of Escondido, CA, Cynthia (McAdams) Espinola of Andover, Mass. and Patricia McAdams Temperino of Plymouth, NH; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and 2 nieces. Beside his parents he was predeceased by a sister Rita McAdams Todd and his niece Carol Ann Todd. There are no calling hours. A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Rt. 25, Meredith on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Community Health & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or the Boston Firefighters Fund, 55 Hallet Street, Boston, MA 02124. The Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is in charge of the arrangements. For more information and to view an on line memorialgoto www.wilkinson.com.

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 21 to Feb. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence McAdams

Sponsored by Donna McAdams, daughter.

10 Entries

Dad, Mom and Rick

Donna McAdams

February 19, 2013

Another year has gone by Dad, you're still loved and still missed.

Reading the Boston Book Jan 2011

Donna McAdams

February 17, 2012

Donna McAdams

February 17, 2012

Dear Dad
I can't believe it's been one year since you've been gone. We all miss you so much.

Donna McAdams

February 27, 2011

This past Monday we celebrated Presidents Day – a day of remembrance of great men, great leaders of our country.

Today, at this gathering of family and friends, we celebrate the life of Lawrence Joseph McAdams. He, too, was great – to those of us who were honored to be his family, he was the greatest.

He was a son who loved and honored his own parents, an Irish Catholic, both proud and devout.

He was a loving husband to his wife Ruth, for more than 62 years. They were so lucky to share such a close relationship and friendship and love! They had a wonderful life together, and took pleasure and comfort in each other’s company.

We are proud of his service in the Navy during Word War II aboard the US Luzon, and his many years with the Boston Fire Department, on the fire boat, Ladder 8, and finally as Captain of Rescue 1.

Dad could tell a story like no one else - and many an evening around the supper table he’d keep us laughing, with tales of his fellow fire fighters, the fixes they got into, the way Lungo maneuvered the apparatus through the narrow streets of Boston’s Back Bay.

As a father, he cherished us, played with us – sang us to sleep at night singing “Rock-A-Bye Baby” way out of tune. He taught us to work hard – to strive to be the best we could be. He encouraged our endeavors, took pride in our successes – and taught us to pick ourselves up and try again when we failed.

He taught us to swim, to water ski, to pilot a motor boat, fix a flat tire, to sail, to drive a car and to balance a check book. He taught us to play cribbage, hearts, pinnochle and old maid, loved to win and laughed just like a kid when he did.

He could build anything out of wood , and fix anything that broke.

He taught us to love boating, to love the water – and gave us many glorious summers on Lake Winnepasaukee – Fire works in Center Harbor on the 4th of July. And of course no summer would be complete without a lobster feast!

More than anything else, Dad was happiest when surrounded by his family – he loved his grandchildren, and took pride in their achievements.

He loved life and lived it to the fullest – and enjoyed a good joke as much as a good meal.

These last few years, as his health declined, he bore the final aches and pains and indignities of his aging body, without complaint, and with a quiet resigned attitude of dignity we would all do well to remember when our own days near the end.

I don’t presume to know the mind of God, especially in this church today. But I truly believe when Lawrence McAdams walked through the pearly gates into heaven, God could only pat him on the back and say “Well done, old Pal, and Welcome Home.”

Regina Marks

February 26, 2011

Remembered the times I spent with your mom and dad while I was growing up. Sorry I couldn't be with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love to all
Gina

Dad on his boat

Donna McAdams

February 26, 2011

Sue & Tom Gustin

February 24, 2011

Dear Cindy and family, May your sweet memories of your father and grandfather comfort you all. We are very sorry for your loss. With love, Tom & Sue Gustin

February 23, 2011

Rita M. Boland Todd
Newark, Delaware
February 23, 2011

Stacy LaBella

February 23, 2011

Donna and Family,
Cecilia and I are so very sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories of your father that you share. We send you love and prayers at this difficult time.

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