William Jerrien Adams

William Jerrien Adams 1925-2025 Norwich -William (Bill) Adams passed away peacefully on November 10th at the age

of 100.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Norwich. Born to William Jerkin Adams Sr.and Martha (Nyholt) Adams on June 22,1925. Bill is

pre- deceased by his two older sisters Wilhelmina , Martha, and younger brother Marinis.

Bill quit school at 16 to help support his family after his fathers passing in 1935. Bill joined the Marines at 17 in 1942

and served as an aviation mechanic in the Pacific. Bill always loved aircraft and after serving his country he obtained a

pilots license and also achieved commercial , instrument and instructor pilot ratings. Bill loved recreational flying and did so

till the 1970s when a vision problem forced him to give up his passion.When Bill chose not to fly , he took up motorcycle

riding.

Bill married the love of his life Frances (Sirpenski ) Adams on July 3, 1948 and were married for 62 years before Frannie's

passing on August 28 , 2010.

Bill is survived by two children Debra Ann (Adams) Lehman and husband Peter of Norwich ,Ct. Son William Peter Adams

of Sterling Ct. In addition to his children Bill is survived by Grandchildren: Chelsea (Lehman)and her husband Gil Halevy

and their children Maya and Tali of Rockville Maryland, Corey (Lehman) Dodson and her husband Justin and Kaitlyn

(Lehman) Collins and husband Je and their children Olive and Ozzie of Westerly , Rhode Island. Two grandsons William

Peter Adams Jr. of Chesterfield New Jersey and Matthew Thomas Adams of Cranston , Rhode Island.After his military service ,bill worked for the US Finishing

company until they closed in 1958. Following that he worked as a carpenter for several years and became a plumber until

he retired at age 62. Not one to sit around bill worked part time at Shetucket Plumbing Warehouse and as a special

education van driver for the Norwich Public School System along with his brother in law Edmund Sirpenski.

Even in retirement Bill could be found applying his plumbing and mechanical skills assisting friends, family and anyone in

need.

Bill had many cars in his lifetime and he was particularly fond of his Mustangs and T-Birds .

Bill was always smiling and in his later years enjoyed dining at Breakfast and Things in Jewett City. It was there that his

favorite waitress Restaurant Carol (Carol Frizzola ) called him Mustang Bill and created wonderful birthday celebrations for

Bill and he made many friendships . Bill drove his last Mustang when he was 97 !

The Adams and Lehman families would like to thank Colonial Health and Rehab. Center of Plainfield , LLC for the quality

and special care that was provided to Bill.

Calling hours will be Saturday November 22, 2025 from 9 to 10 AM at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home 82 Cliff St. Norwich, CT with a family remembrance at 10. A graveside service will follow at the Divine Providence Cemetery at 11 AM with the committal prayers and military honors.