Spencer E. Adams Jr.

Spencer E. Adams Jr.
On October 20, 2025, Spencer (Skip) Adams, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully at home from complications of Multiple Sclerosis, with his beloved wife, Linda, at his side. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 55 years, his son, Spencer E. Adams, III (Jennifer) of Portland, Oregon, and his two granddaughters, Rosella Kay (Rosie) and Frances June (Junie). He also leaves his brother, Brien Adams (Bonnie) of Stamford, CT, his sisters, Heather Sypniewski (Robert) of Palm Coast, FL and Diane Byrns (Douglas) of PA, and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Susan and Walter Goettlich, Lynn Moran, Jack Noheimer and Janet Moran. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Matthew Brien Adams, and his parents, Frances O'Brien Adams and Spencer E. Adams. After graduating from SCSU in 1970, with a degree in science education, he taught at Norwalk High School for 32 years. He had a gift for working with high school students. A lover of the outdoors and our earth's mysteries, his "whole earth" approach to teaching science and marine biology inspired many of his students to become teachers themselves. As track coach, he was always there for his athletes on and off the field. He loved his time at Norwalk and was saddened to retire when MS made it too challenging to continue. MS also deprived him of other true passions, like spending time in the White Mountains hiking and camping with dear friends, especially Walt and Joe. It also kept him from the tidal pools and marshes he once loved exploring with his two sons and many students. A tradition his son has kept alive with his children. However, the challenges of MS never diminished his love of life. His 15 summers spent on Shadow Lake in Vermont brought him many happy times with Susan and Walt and with any friends and family who were willing to make the trek up north. Discouragement was not a word in his vocabulary. His optimism and ready smile never failed to impress anyone who met him. He appreciated good food, good music, and good times with family and friends. College basketball season was always a happy time for him, especially when the UCONN women were playing. The family would like to thank the Franciscan Home and Hospice Care nuns, aids, nurses and office staff for always being there making the last few years so much easier for us. Their comforting professionalism and expertise saw us through many difficult times. We send a special thanks to Skip's longtime aide, Adams Bello, for his gentle, caring way with Skip. His contagious upbeat manner kept Skip smiling and feeling better no matter what was happening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Calling hours will be Sunday from 5 - 7 p.m. in Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://donate.nationalmssociety.org , or to Franciscan Home and Hospice Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.siskbrothers.com .