Mark Michael Adamo

1959 - 2013

Mark Michael Adamo, 54, of Ashburn, Virginia, died peacefully at his home on November 26, 2013 from brain cancer.

Mark was born to the late Norma and William Adamo on June 10, 1959 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He graduated from Centennial High School in Windsor in 1977 and went on to study Architectural Science in the Building Science Program at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute (now Ryerson University) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was married to Karen Adamo, née Kessenich, on May 23, 2010.

A highly respected leader in his profession, Mark built an accomplished career in commercial real estate development. He was Senior Vice President of Development at Perseus Realty, LLC in Washington, D.C. since 2007 where he was responsible for the development and construction of over a dozen significant properties in the Washington metropolitan area. The most recent was Jefferson at 14W, a mixed-use development in the historic U Street corridor, which includes the new state-of-the-art Anthony Bowen YMCA.

In 1981, Mark joined the firm of Clifford & Lawrie Architects in Toronto. He was a technical consultant to architects, engineers and building officials with Canadian Gypsum Company from 1985 to 1988. He was Vice President for Development at Veranda Partners, LLC in Orlando, Florida from 2005 to 2007.

Mark joined the Real Estate Division of Manulife Financial Corporation in 1989 where he worked for fifteen years. He was the senior executive responsible for all design, construction and contract administration for Manulife's U.S. headquarters (John Hancock Financial) at 601 Congress Street in Boston, Massachusetts. In Washington, D.C., the most notable properties he developed for Manulife were 555 Twelfth Street NW and 1100 New York Avenue, the historic landmark Greyhound Bus Terminal. A Manulife colleague described these two buildings as "works of technical virtuosity and enduring beauty … truly great buildings that will stand the test of time and leave their mark on this city because of Mark's ability, drive and monumental achievement in delivering these buildings."

As impressive as all of his professional accomplishments were, he was deeply committed to his family. He was passionate about making a difference in the lives of his children Kathryn Adamo (24) of Saint Petersburg, Florida, Jaclyn Adamo (22) of Boston, Massachusetts and Thomas Adamo (19) of Saint Petersburg.

Mark's personal interests included architecture, music, theater, travel, golf, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Detroit Red Wings and the Auburn University Tigers. Above all, however, it was his dear family and friends that he cherished most.

Mark is survived by his wife Karen and her family; his three children Katt, Jackie and Tom and their mother; his sister Susan and her husband Don Kasprick of Beverly Hills, MI; sister Sandra and her husband Gary Lafleur of LaSalle, ON; brother William Adamo of Calgary, Alberta; brother Brian Adamo of Aurora, ON; brother Paul Adamo and his wife Franny of Windsor, ON; sister Laura Adamo of Calgary; sixteen nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles and cousins in Ontario; and, dear family friend Roger Waha. He was predeceased by his parents William (1998) and Norma (2004), sister Lisa Boyle (1998) and his grandmothers Justyna Adamo (1992) and Alice Moorcroft (1999).

A memorial service is being planned for January 11, 2014 in Washington, D.C. Please visit www.colonialfuneralhome.com to view a video tribute of Mark and to leave a message for the family. In addition to all those who brought such joy to Mark throughout his lifetime, the family is very grateful to Capital Caring, 209 Gibson Street, NW, Suite 202, Leesburg, Virginia and The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Mark was a pillar of strength for his family, the proudest of fathers, a faithful friend and a gracious and beautiful man. We will hold on to his love and cherish his memory forever.