David Curtis Adams

David Curtis Adams, 62, of Underhill, VT, passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 22, 2024, after a life-long battle with depression including depression resulting from two traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained within the last 11 years. Known for his generous heart and infectious energy, David deeply cherished his family and was an expert in his craft. His love for his family and his dedication to his work defined his life.
David was born in Morrisville, VT in 1962 to Robert and Almey Adams and had an older brother, Roger. As a child, David grew up in several foster homes in Morrisville and attended People's Academy. As a teenager, he enjoyed playing his bass guitar with childhood friends and occasionally performed at Silver Ridge, the local dance hall. In 1980, David moved to Underhill and was welcomed into the family of Leo Paul and Beverly Nadeau who embraced him as one of their own. He graduated from Mount Mansfield Union High School in 1981 followed by working for several contractors where he gained valuable experience and learned the trade. He later joined Nadeau Lumber Inc. in Jericho, VT, where he continued his skills.
David started dating the love of his life, Sherrie Nadeau, 40 years ago in the summer of 1984 and married September 28, 1985 at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Underhill Center, VT. They shared a passion for dancing, frequently enjoying local bands and the fun of the two-step on the dance floor. At these gatherings they built lasting relationships and created countless memories with friends and family.
In 1986, David founded his own business, which he proudly ran for 38 years until his passing. He specialized in building custom homes, renovations, and cabinetry. He was especially skilled in crafting stairs. In 1991, he rebranded as Adams Quality Construction Inc. His slogan, "No job is too small," reflected his unwavering commitment to quality and an exceptional work ethic.
David and Sherrie were excited to start a family and their three daughters became the center of their world. Their first daughter, Jessica, born in 1989, brought tears of joy to his eyes with her blue eyes that mirrored his own. Their second daughter, Kaitlyn, born in 1993 during the week of his birthday, was a wonderful birthday gift. Their third daughter, Meghan, born in 1998 during the week of Thanksgiving, made that year even more special with a sense of gratitude.
David built their family home where their three daughters grew up, and he also built his cherished woodworking shop, where he devoted countless hours doing what he loved. In his workshop, he lovingly crafted custom furniture for his family, including beds for each of his daughters, bookcases for his grandbabies, and other treasured pieces.
David's passion for his craft was evident in every project he undertook. A standout example of his skill is the work he did for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cambridge, VT, where he created a detailed template of the old pews and replaced them with beautiful custom handmade oak pews with kneelers and leather burgundy padding. His commitment to his work has left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of seeing his craftsmanship.
In 2023, David took a position at Stewart Construction, planning to eventually retire from his business and focus solely on the work he loved most, building with his hands. Along with his craft, David also enjoyed golfing with family and friends and enjoyed playing his bass guitar.
Though David deeply loved his family and his trade, his favorite role in life was that of a grandparent. He cherished every moment spent with his grandbabies and took immense joy in being Korra's Papo and Samantha's Papa. He often said, "I love my grandbabies more than the whole wide world. They are my joy, my little peanuts."
David was an active member of the Lavi Project Inc. of Massachusetts, dedicating his time and energy to fundraising for the Bousol Timoun Orphanage in Haiti and participating in missionary work at the Hope Home for disabled children. His contributions included helping to build a school and a well for clean water, building a chicken coop, creating gardens so the orphanage could grow their food, helping with food drives for the surrounding community, assisting traveling doctors with medical services for the Haitian communities and bringing joy and laughter to the orphans and staff as he interacted with them.
David is survived by his wife, Sherrie of Underhill, VT; three daughters: Jessica Kretovic (Michael) of Tilton, NH; Kaitlyn Crucitti (Eric) of Franklin, VT; and Meghan Adams of Georgia, VT; two grandbabies: Korra Kretovic and Samantha Crucitti; brother Roger; mother-in-law Diana Nadeau; sisters-in-law Rita Greenia (James), Betty Danaher (Martin), Michelle Pendris (Thomas); brothers-in-law Roger Nadeau Jr. (Shelley), William Nadeau (Jennifer); many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; foster-mother Beverly Nadeau, and foster-sisters Lorrie Noyes, Debbie Bartlett, and Tracie Brenton. Cherished friends include Randy and Maggie Cadieux, Stacey Ring, Stephen and Teresa Sorrell, Darcy and Mary Spence, Harley and Deborah Poquette, and Bob and Holly Bancroft.
David was predeceased by his parents Robert and Almey Adams, foster-father Leo Paul Nadeau, and father-in-law Roger Nadeau Sr.
For those of us he left behind, we could not have asked for a better husband, father, Papo, Papa, brother, son, uncle, and friend. David will be missed every single day until we are together again. Though he struggled with depression, he never lost the love of those who knew him at his best. His laughter, exceptional craftsmanship, and deep love for his family will always be with us. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who cherished him, and his legacy will continue through his children and many accomplishments.
A private memorial service and burial will be held at a later date. The family appreciates your understanding and asks that you respect their wishes for privacy during this time. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to support mental health initiatives such as the Howard Center, or the Pete Foundation (https://www.thepetefoundation.org/donate). Donations can also be made to the Lavi Project (https://donorbox.org/lavi-project) to continue his impactful work with the Haitian community. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.
Due to David's TBIs, he endured years of depression and was tormented by his inner struggles. If you're struggling with depression or similar challenges, please reach out for support. People care and are here for you; you don't have to face this alone. For assistance, consider contacting the Howard Center, which provides comprehensive mental health and substance use services or the Pete Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting mental health and wellness through education, advocacy, and resources for emotional well-being. If you need immediate help, please call or text 988 for support.