Obituary of Gerard J. Adams

Gerard J. "Rod" Adams, Jr., 83, of Lake Ariel, formerly of Hawley, passed away Friday, May 19, 2017 at Regional Hospital of Scranton after an illness. He was the loving husband of the late Margaret R. Gogard Adams for 54 years. Born in Hawley, son of the late Gerard J. and Mabel Hattons Adams, he was a former member of the BVM Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Hawley, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus Society. Rod graduated from Hawley High School and received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Education from the University of Scranton and Masters in Education and Counseling from Penn State University. Before retirement, he was a 38-year professional at the Wallenpaupack Area School District as a guidance counselor, librarian, English teacher and athletic director. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Rod was an active community leader, serving on Boro Council and as Mayor of Hawley, and as a member of the Wayne County Housing, Redevelopment and Planning Commissions. As Mayor of Hawley, he was instrumental in building the Bingham Park lower basin fields and tennis courts as well as the Barker Street Apartments for Senior Citizens and the Hawley Central Sewage System and Authority. Rod is remembered as an incredible, loving, caring and giving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and community servant. He had a lifelong passion for tirelessly working for the betterment of kids and community, while never thinking about himself. Rod thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing and coaching/watching sports with his friends and family. He will be dearly missed by all. Surviving are his children: James and Sharon Adams of Honesdale, Joseph and Kathryn Adams of Lake Ariel, and Sarah Adams Cory of Fishers, IN; a brother-in-law: George W. (Pete) Murphy of Washington, DC; his grandchildren: Cortney and Ryan McNelley of London, England, Chelsey and Jordan Ubertini of Honesdale, Cale Adams of Honesdale; and Lauren and David Cory of Fishers, IN; his great-grandchildren: Isla and Maisie McNelley and Brazlin, Breckon and Braxton Ubertini; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sisters: Judy Adams Murphy and Mary Elizabeth Adams Cartwright; his brothers-in-law: James Cartwright and John Gogard; and his sister-in-law: Jean Gogard Fell. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 23, at 5 PM at BVM Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 314 Chestnut Ave., Hawley, with his close family friend, the Rev. William Blake, officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dessin Animal Shelter, 138 Miller Dr., Honesdale, PA 18431