Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas Adams Obituary
Concord, NH - was born in Concord on July 15, 1942. He was the son of the late Virginia H. Adams and Thomas L. Adams Sr. He passed away at his home in Concord on August 3, 2023. He leaves his brother John W. Adams and his sister-in-law Jane Ingham Adams of New Mexico; and his long-time friend Douglas S. Edwards of Concord, along with many close friends and fellow photographers and artists.
Thomas grew up in Concord and was active in the Boy Scouts. He graduated from Concord High School in 1960, then attended the University of New Hampshire majoring in Education and graduated in 1964. His career began as a teacher, first in Bethlehem and then in Salem, NH. He left teaching to work with the NH Education Association advocating for both teachers and their students. Later he became the Executive Director for the Manchester Education Association serving twenty-seven years. During his tenure as Executive Director, Thomas graduated from The Harvard Trade Union Program at Harvard University.
Thomas was a Social Justice Advocate and Board Member of Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform. He helped found The Advancement of Hispanic Americans and the Coalition of Organized Public Employees.
After Thomas retired he pursued his photography interest and attended the Manchester Institute of Art. He later donated a photography collection to the MIA for public viewing and extensive student use. In 2011, the MIA hosted a public exhibit of photographs from Thomas's private collection. Thomas was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the MIA in 2012.
In 2011, Thomas attended the Maine College of Art in Portland where he opened the Radiant Light Gallery he operated for many years.
In 2021, along with other volunteers, Thomas founded the John Brook Archive. John Brook was a Boston photographer whose work inspired many, and one day his story will be told by dedicated volunteers.
Thomas was an advocate and mentor for many students from around the world who were seeking higher education. The powers of inspiration and education were the very essence of Thomas.
On August 17, 2023, Thomas was interred in the family plot at the Oakland Cemetery in Meredith, NH.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Adams
Jeff and Pat
May 7, 2025
Tom preformed our wedding ceremony in Portsmouth, N.H. July 30, 1976. We are sure glad he did and 49 years later we are still together. I hope Tom knew how much we appreciated him.
Dr Bob Paradise, Ph.D.
September 13, 2023
Tom has been actively involved with Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR) since July 2011, just six months after the organization was founded. His contributions to CCJR have been invaluable, as he has served as a faithful board member and volunteer, dedicating his time and effort to the organization's mission.
His roles within CCJR have been crucial to its success:
1. Board Member and Volunteer: Tom's active participation since July 2011, shortly after CCJR's founding, demonstrates his dedication as both a board member and a volunteer. His consistent contributions have been invaluable to the organization's growth and effectiveness.
2. Communication Secretary: Tom's role as the Communication Secretary highlights his responsibility for managing and enhancing internal communication within CCJR. Timely responses to mail from inmates and their families are essential for maintaining effective communication channels within the organization. This role ensures that critical information is disseminated efficiently.
3. Acting Chair of the Legislative Policy Committee: Tom's leadership as the Acting Chair of the Legislative Policy Committee underscores his dedication to shaping CCJR's policy and advocacy efforts. This role involves strategizing and promoting legislative initiatives aligned with CCJR's goals related to criminal justice reform. His ability to foster a working relationship with the State Department of Corrections and act as a liaison with Commissioner Helen Hanks further highlights his skills in advocating for reform.
Tom's long-standing dedication and versatile contributions have made him an indispensable asset to CCJR. His absence will be deeply felt, as he has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission. His legacy of advocating for meaningful criminal justice reform will continue to inspire others within CCJR and beyond.
Dr. Bob, Chairman of CCJR
Remembering Thom Adams Memorial service:
Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Location: French Building, 148 Concord Street, Manchester
ART Exhibition Dates: Thursday, September 28–Friday, October 27, 2023
Dr. Bob
September 13, 2023
Remembering Thom Adams Memorial service:
Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: French Building, 148 Concord Street, Manchester
Exhibition Dates: Thursday, September 28-Friday, October 27, 2023
Dr. Bob
September 13, 2023
From Members and Friends of CCJRNH.org
Tom has been actively involved with Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR) since July 2011, just six months after the organization was founded. His contributions to CCJR have been invaluable, as he has served as a faithful board member and volunteer, dedicating his time and effort to the organization's mission.
His roles within CCJR have been crucial to its success:
1. Board Member and Volunteer: Tom's active participation since July 2011, shortly after CCJR's founding, demonstrates his dedication as both a board member and a volunteer. His consistent contributions have been invaluable to the organization's growth and effectiveness.
2. Communication Secretary: Tom's role as the Communication Secretary highlights his responsibility for managing and enhancing internal communication within CCJR. Timely responses to mail from inmates and their families are essential for maintaining effective communication channels within the organization. This role ensures that critical information is disseminated efficiently.
3. Acting Chair of the Legislative Policy Committee: Tom's leadership as the Acting Chair of the Legislative Policy Committee underscores his dedication to shaping CCJR's policy and advocacy efforts. This role involves strategizing and promoting legislative initiatives aligned with CCJR's goals related to criminal justice reform. His ability to foster a working relationship with the State Department of Corrections and act as a liaison with Commissioner Helen Hanks further highlights his skills in advocating for reform.
Tom's long-standing dedication and versatile contributions have made him an indispensable asset to CCJR. His absence will be deeply felt, as he has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission. His legacy of advocating for meaningful criminal justice reform will continue to inspire others within CCJR and beyond.
Dr. Bob, Chairman of CCJR
Jean Gibran
September 6, 2023
Thomas Adams, art historian, supporter of photographers, organizer of John Brook Archive.. Director of several important exhibits including just closed "Visionary Boston" at Danforth Museum of Art. We shall miss him and remember a great gentleman and scholar.
Mike Roche
September 1, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years with COPE, (Coalition of Organized Public Employees). He was a very bright and talented gentleman who was a great influence. R.I.P. Tom!
Miriam Levine
August 31, 2023
A kind and brilliant person. I'm so sorry he's gone!
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Adams's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Adams
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Adams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
