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WATERVILLE - Thomas C. Adams, a former Special Olympics athlete who loved four-wheeling, taking long road trips, and collecting classic car models, has died. He was 48.
Adams, known affectionately as "Tommy," died peacefully on July 9 while surrounded by his family at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.
Born and raised in Kittery, Adams lived for most of his adult life in a private home in Waterville, where full-time caregivers watched over him while enabling him to live semi-independently.
Social worker, Lucinda Turcotte, worked tirelessly to find Thomas the best possible help, including the caregivers from Freedom First Support Services who not only ensured that his needs were fully met but also made the last year and a half of his life one of his best.
In addition to enjoying the comforts of his own home, Adams spent long, happy hours fishing on Moosehead Lake with his father, Gary T. Adams; hanging out in the kitchen with his mother, Betty (Grover) Adams, while she cooked his favorite meals; taking road trips and relaxing with Karen L. Adams-Stadig at her camp on Unity Pond; and visiting with his older sister, Katherine F. Adams-Gary and older brother Robert C. Adams.
"Tommy loved long car rides while blasting the oldies at a very high volume," said Stadig-Adams, who also noted that he took great pride in his extensive collection of classic car models. His real passion, though, was snowmobiling and four-wheeling at Moosehead, she said.
For many years, Tommy participated in the Special Olympics, where he made good friends and enjoyed the company of fellow athletes.
Adams was born on Sept. 27, 1970, in Portsmouth, N.H. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Philip H. Adams, Mary F. Adams, John D. Grover and Doris L. Crowley; and several cousins.
In addition to his parents and siblings, he is survived by sister-in-law, Lynn Adams, brothers-in-law, Keith Stadig and Charles Gary; nephews, Bryan Stadig, Nicholas Gary and Cameron Adams; great-nephew, Nolan Gary; nieces, Brittany Adams, Gabrielle Adams and Amanda Gary; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 6 Whipple Rd., Kittery, ME, 03904, at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 18, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A private graveside service for family members only will be held in the afternoon. To leave online condolences please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com.
Care for the Adams family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to
The Birchtree Center at birchtreecenter.org
or by mailing contributions to
The Birchtree Center
2064 Woodbury Ave., #204
Newington, NH 03801
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Mr. and Mrs. Adams and family,
I was Tommy´s teacher at CMRC when he was 7-8 years old and after 35+ years of teaching he is still one of my favorites. I remember taking him to the farm and one time he slipped out the door at lunchtime and was found trying to commandeer a backhoe the maintenance guy left running. He always needed the space to do what he loved and it sounds like you provided a wonderful life for him. If I ever get up Kittery way I will try to look you up.
Fondly,
Marty Rounds
31 Duncan Road
Hancock, NH
Marty Rounds
February 17, 2022
Betty, Gary, Karen and family,
Tom was such a wonderful man, who went through so much in his life. He touched our lives and we have so many memories. His family meant the world to him, as he did to all of you. I don't have the words to ease the emotions you are all feeling now. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Mary and Jay Hansen
Mary Hansen
July 18, 2019
Gary and Betty, I'm so sad for your loss. Tommy always made us smile when he came to visit us at the Post. You have a wonderful family and I know their closeness will provide comfort at this difficult time. My prayers are with you both.
Jean Robinson
July 16, 2019
Betty and Gary,
My heart goes out to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Pritchett
July 16, 2019
Bobby, prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sadness
pam newland
July 14, 2019
Betty and Gary,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family. I have many fond memories of Tommy. Take care.
Donna Seward
July 14, 2019
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