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BORN
1964
DIED
2018
John McAdams Obituary
John Edwin McAdams, a New Yorker by way of San Diego, born on February 15, 1964 in Santa Barbara, California, to Karen Peterson and the late John W. McAdams Jr, passed away at age 54 on April 30, 2018 in New York, New York. The cause of death was sudden heart failure. John graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts from UC San Diego. John was a respected actor and member of Tectonic Theater Project, appearing on stage and film in The Laramie Project. He was also in the original company of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde and was honored by New Dramatists for his contributions to the development of new plays. In the last fifteen years of his life, he was Director of Project Services at T2 Computing (formerly Tekserve), in the Media and Entertainment industry. John was the beloved husband of Barbara Pitts McAdams, also an actor and member of Tectonic Theater Project. Together they performed in numerous new plays and traveled to Italy, Vietnam, Scotland and Vancouver Island (where they honeymooned). John was preceded in death by his sister, Debbie McAdams. He is survived by his sister, Annie McAdams, her husband Chris O'Connor, and his nieces Willa Jean and Mae Rose O'Connor. He also leaves behind his best pal Trip, the Wheaten Terrier. John's hobbies included cooking, brewing and sampling craft beer, science fiction, learning computer programming and CAD drawing. John was much loved and he will be profoundly missed. Barbara, Annie and family thank Tectonic Theater Project and the many friends who have held them in the light and planned John's memorial.
Friends and family are welcome to attend the memorial service, guided by Chris O'Connor and Moisés Kaufman, on Friday, May 11 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, New York, New York, 10011.
Those who wish may donate in John's name to:
Mouse -connecting underserved kids to technology (mouse.org/donate)
Tectonic Theater Project (tectonictheaterproject.nationbuilde
r.com/johnmcadams) or
Mile Square Theatre, Hoboken, NJ ((milesquaretheatre.org/support).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McAdams
Sponsored by anonymous.
David Adler
June 6, 2021
Only found out today that he had passed. We were college theatre chums, he was one of the two lead actors in the big, stupid, Christopher Durang-style comedy I wrote as my senior playwrighting project, and he was so much better than the words I gave him. We were roommates immediately after our undergrad days. Saw him last 20+ years ago at the La Jolla Playhouse for THE LARAMIE PROJECT. Rest in Peace, my friend. You were as sweet a human as ever existed.
David Adler
June 6, 2021
Only found out today that he had passed. We were college theatre chums, he was one of the two lead actors in the big, stupid, Christopher Durang-style comedy I wrote as my senior playwrighting project, and he was so much better than the words I gave him. We were roommates immediately after our undergrad days. Saw him last 20+ years ago at the La Jolla Playhouse for THE LARAMIE PROJECT. Rest in Peace, my friend. You were as sweet a human as ever existed. XOXO
Francie Nichols
May 6, 2019
While the attached picture isn't of John, he took the picture of Barb and her mom on a snow sledding expedition in Rochester in 2013. Will bring back fun memories of that cold, cold day and warm family gatherings! How we miss John.
relaxing at the cabin
Barbara McAdams
May 5, 2019
Revisiting John's guestbook. Thinking of my big sweet man. I think a year later our dog Trip still thinks John might be home the next time he comes in. I do too. So grateful for our friends and family.
Raji Krishnaswami
June 24, 2018
I am shocked and saddened to read this. I had the honor of working with Johnny Mac when we were both engineers dispatched to some very needy customers, mostly New York City-based broadcasters and sports leagues. As is such, we didn't see eachother much, mostly in passing, but I have many fond memories of beers and chats with a truly calming soul and altogether smart, well-spoken and wonderful individual. He will be dearly, deeply missed in our small community.
I can't find a photo of us together, but if I do, I will post it
Deborah Vandergrift
June 20, 2018
Hello, I am so sorry. I was in John's class at UCSD, and he was such a kind, funny, talented person. Though we hadn't been in touch recently, I know our world and our profession is a little darker without him. My thoughts are with his loved ones. Peace.
Francie Nichols
May 30, 2018
Barbie, it's your BAF here. Finally adding a thought or two. As I am gardening, I look lovingly on the plants that you said John liked the best -- the Lenten Rose, or hellebore. I have so many, and each time I see them, I think of John. They are quietly beautiful, hardy leathery leaves and delicate green on green flowers. They grow in full shade and make the most out of poor soil. Isn't this flower a metaphor, for John you said! A sturdy stand-up guy, retiring yet capable of such finesse when acting. And with a goofy sense of humor (I remember you two having your stuffed-creature dialogs in weird voices) -- the sense of humor that can turn nature on it's head by having a delicate flower bloom in early winter! Well, his spirit is in my garden and I hope that gives you a sense of peace for him! I attached a picture from Christmas 2012. Such a fun time.
Love,
BAF
Nick Gold
May 15, 2018
John has been an industry colleague, and I had the pleasure of seeing him at many events over the last few years, in his time with T2. While technically a competitor, John always had a friendly demeanor and treated my coworkers and I as industry peers, and not the competition. My condolences to all of his family, friends and colleagues. Everyone I know who ever brought up John only had the kindest things to say about him, and had such a genuine warmth and respect for him. He will be sincerely missed.
Sandy Trapp
May 14, 2018
Hi Barbara and family, I had the pleasure of working with John for 15 years and sad to say that I only met you after he passed. He was a consummate professional and always delivered...even when clients changed the scope last minute. No problem! Such a gentle soul and kind man. He was the heart of our company and will be forever missed. His memorial service was amazing and I know he would be smiling that we all got to witness his Act 1, only knowing his Act 2 in life.
May you be filled with the joyful memories and laughter you shared knowing he is now with you in spirit. God bless you and may you rest in peace my dear friend and colleague, John!
Derrick Biney-Amissah
May 14, 2018
John's immense humanity in the best sense transcended my relationship with him as a client evolved into one characterized by mentorship and friendship. To his family who have known him, loved, him and remember him much more completely, I offer my condolences on John's passing. May his spirit and the impact of his life on yours continue to be a blessing and comfort now and in the future.
Ken Pitts
May 12, 2018
Dear Barb, you are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you so much. The picture of John shows him as I remember him the day we met. He was a wonderful, thoughtful man. Prayers for you and John. Ken and Aileen
Julie Hamberg
May 11, 2018
I've known few with John's honesty and ability to be present. He brought so many of us joy and insight with his work - and friendship. My thoughts are with you, Barb.
John Chadwell
May 11, 2018
I'm so sad to read this. John was among the most gentle, kind, interesting and intelligent people I had ever met. He had a positive impact on so many and that impact will be felt for a long time.
May 11, 2018
May his memories live on in the hearts and prayers of love ones bringing comfort as he R.I.P
May 11, 2018
Thoughts and prayers are extended to the family and friends as your beloved John R.I.P until that new day when all is made new and death is no more.
Denis Flynn
May 10, 2018
May memories of John bring comfort and joy. May he rest peacefully.
Todd Pitts
May 10, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss, Barb and John's family. John was such a kind soul and will be greatly missed. Our family is sharing your sadness and sending you all our loving energy and prayers to help in your healing.
Love Todd, Vicky, and Benny.
Steve Wangh
May 10, 2018
Dear Barbara: Much love to you. Much love.
May 10, 2018
With deepest sympathy
Sheila Pekar
Devon Allen DiBiasio
May 10, 2018
Dear Barbara and John's family,
My deepest condolences to you during this time of sorrow. I shall never forget him. The most wonderful of men!
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince:
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
Hamlet, Act V, sc. ii
Claude Millman
May 9, 2018
I am devastated by this loss. Barb, you are in my thoughts. Much love.
Abby Chellis
May 9, 2018
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. I know my words won't mean much, but even still, please know I'm sending love and prayers for you and the rest of the family right now. Nothing about loss is ever easy, but you will make it through the days to come, I know it.
Much love, Abby
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