Matthew Royce Adams, 50, of Dryden, NY passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 as a result of a bicycle accident.
Matthew attended Dryden High School and graduated from Craven Community College in New Bern, NC, with a degree in Auto Body Repair. He loved fixing up old cars and driving fast. Matthew struggled with issues of addiction his entire adult life. He made unfortunate decisions and experienced the direct consequences. He felt pain of those who judged him but met it with a contagious smile that found you smiling back. He left this earth with the accomplishment of being 2 years sober. Those who love him are extremely proud of his success. He was a caring friend and made new friends wherever he went.
Matthew is survived by his parents Royce and Rosemary Adams from Sparta, TN; sister Jacqueline Myers (John) from Locke, NY; brothers John Carson (May) from Brooktondale, NY, Darin Adams (Sammi) from Homer, NY, and Austin Adams (Katherine) from Charlotte, NC; nephew David Buchner (Katie) from Nashville, TN; and niece Katy Barr (Matt) from Horseheads, NY. He is also survived by several aunts and uncles.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Charles and Mary Munch and paternal grandparents, Leonard and Helen Adams.
There will be no calling hours or funeral at this time. Donations can be made to the Dryden Fire & Ambulance in Matthew’s memory.
Arrangements are with the Shurtleff Funeral Home, and online condolences may be shared with his family at www.shurtleffservices.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton, NY 13073
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more