DR. THOMAS WILLIAM "TOM" ADAMS

1931 - 2025

ADAMS, Dr. Thomas "Tom" William Age 94, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, pediatrician, and man of many talents, died on August 11, 2025, in Exeter, NH, after a long and full life. Born on May 8, 1931, to parents, John Goldthwaite and Ruth Hobill Adams, the middle of three children. Tom grew up in Salem, MA. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy, where he excelled in the sciences, Latin, languages, poetry, and rowed varsity crew. He graduated from Harvard University in 1953 and Harvard Medical School in 1957, after completing his residency at Boston Children's Hospital. Tom married Marion Thompson Adams "Mimi," in 1956, in Charlotte, Vermont, and lived in Boston, MA. In 1959, Tom was accepted into the Berry Plan, which allowed him to choose the U.S. Air Force as his place to serve. He was then stationed in Ankara, Turkey, as the American Chief of Pediatrics, where he and Mimi lived for 2 and a half years and experienced some of the best adventures of their lives, exploring the surrounding areas. In 1963, they settled in Hamilton, MA, to raise their growing family of four children, where they stayed for 42 years. Outside of pediatrics, Tom enjoyed spending time in nature, particularly at their peaceful cabin in Sharon, VT. He adored trees and was deeply knowledgeable about them; he grew and nurtured all kinds of plants, especially orchids, daylilies and clivias. He enjoyed being creative with writing, art, music, and cooking; sang in choirs and men's groups, made tons of pottery, and did the NYT crossword puzzle every day. He also created mosaic tables, stained glass, woodcuts, and driftwood collages. For 25 years, Tom and Mimi also hosted numerous family members and friends in Sanibel, Florida. During his retirement, Tom was active in committees at the Ridge at Riverwoods, a continuing care retirement community, in Exeter, NH, where he and Mimi developed many wonderful friendships. Tom worked with his friends to spearhead the design and implementation of an Arboretum, with over 60 trees at the Riverwoods campus. He also founded a pottery studio there. Tom and Mimi were married for 66 years. Tom "Papa" is survived by his three children, and leaves seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who will all miss him immensely. He was predeceased by his wife and their daughter. The family is planning a Celebration of Life at the Phillips Exeter Academy Chapel, on October 20, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Arnold Arboretum or the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, HAMPTON. To view Tom's online tribute, send condolences to the family or for more information, visit www.csnh.com

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