David Adamski

David Adamski, Ph.D., of Washington, D.C., formerly of Easthampton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25 while in hospice care in Laurel, Maryland. He was 75. David will be remembered for his passion for science and inspiring young people to look a little closer at nature, ecosystems and the world around them.

David was a renowned entomologist, supportive mentor, and gifted educator whose lifelong curiosity about the natural world was an inspiration to those who knew him. He had the ability to make science come alive -whether he was leading a class of children through a butterfly's life cycle or teaching the scientific method.

An expert on moths, David spent 26 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service as a technician and researcher for the Systematic Entomology Lab. He also helped to identify and stop invasive insect species at U.S. ports. After retiring in 2016, he continued his research at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, a place he truly loved.

Over his career, David authored or co-authored more than 115 scientific publications. His research shed light on hundreds of species across diverse Lepidoptera groups and contributed to the global understanding of insect biodiversity. His forthcoming paper on the phylogeny and taxonomy of the Blastobasidae on a global basis will be published in the coming months in the Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, a publication of the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press.

David spearheaded an entomology internship program at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, where interns learned to curate insect collections and contribute to research and public education. More than a hundred students and early-career professionals participated in the successful program, many of whom have gone on to careers in museums, academia, and environmental science.

A passionate advocate for science education, David taught science lessons to pre-K and kindergarten students at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center for more than two decades. Through his hands-on activities, students hatched chickens, bred and released monarch butterflies, cared for a pet snake, and discovered the wonders of nature.

Fifteen years ago, David founded the Young Entomologist Group through the Entomological Society of Washington. What began as a simple idea-to share his love of insects with kids-grew into a beloved family program that continues to inspire curiosity and care for nature. Leading insect walks, guiding field research, and watching young naturalists discover nature's magic brought David endless joy.

David was proud of his Polish heritage. He often shared Polish traditions with friends and family, especially through wycinanki -beautiful, intricate Polish folk art paper cut-outs he collected and preserved as part of his connection to his ancestry.

Outside the lab, David's other great love was hockey. He played the sport in college and after graduation he played for the Bristol Champlains, a semi-pro team in the Southern New England Hockey League. Later he coached the Easthampton High School hockey team for several years. A lifelong Boston Bruins fan, he cheered faithfully with his brothers Jimmy and Karl, through every season's highs and lows.

David earned a Ph.D. in Entomology from Mississippi State University where, with his advisor Richard Brown, they co-authored several publications and maintained a lifelong friendship. He received an M.S. in Entomology from the University of Massachusetts, and a B.S. in Entomology from the University of Massachusetts. David received a B.S. in business administration and M.S. in education from the American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 2024, David was elected an honorary member of the Entomologist Society of Washington.

David was predeceased by his father Stanislaw E. Adamski; his mother Jean M. (Golas) Adamski Andrzejewski Bishop; his brother Karl A. Adamski; his sister-in-law Lucille E. (Caouette) Adamski; and his great-niece Ava R. Patstone.

He is survived by his son, Jon Adamski; his brother, James P. Adamski and wife Sophie (Soliwoda) Adamski of Southampton, Massachusetts; nephew Stanley E. Adamski and wife Susan G. Kelly of Springfield, Massachusetts; niece Karen A. Adamski and wife Audrey M. Pierce of Southampton, Massachusetts; niece Tracy J. Adamski and husband Christopher H. Patstone of Northampton, Massachusetts; great-nephews Simon J. Patstone and Adam T. Patstone of Northampton, Massachusetts; and a large extended family of friends, colleagues, and students in Washington, D.C., who were touched by his friendship.

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A Celebration of David's Life and scientific legacy will be held at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Details to be determined.

A Celebration of David's Life will be held at the Wat Thai Washington, D.C. Details to bedetermined.A Celebration of Life and Burial will be held at the St. Stanislaw Bishop & Martyr Cemetery inEasthampton, Massachusetts. Details to be determined.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's memory to the Entomological Society ofWashington's Young Entomologist Group.For more information about the services, please contact the Adamski family attjadamski@hotmail.com