Obituary of William J Adams

William J. ’’Bill’’ Adams, 83, of Burlington, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 16, 2017. Born in Cambridge, Bill was one of seven children born to Herbert and Ruth (Stewart) Adams. He lived in Cambridge until the age of 18, when he enlisted in in the Navy, serving almost 4 years during the Korean War, travelling throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. He held the rank of Seaman Apprentice and was the recipient of the Navy Occupation Service Medal with the European Clasp and the National Defense Service Medal. He enjoyed sharing memories and stories of his Naval travels especially through Italy, Greece and Spain. Following his service, Bill went to work at Polaroid Corporation in Waltham as a mechanic in the Film Division, retiring after 28 years. He enjoyed the challenges of his work and the love of his coworkers who were like a second family to him. Bill was a man of big stature with an even bigger personality. He had a great and unique sense of humor, and a strong commitment to his family and friends. Bill and his wife, Barbara, were married at Mission Hill Church in Roxbury on June 19, 1957. They started their family in Cambridge and then finally purchased a home in Burlington in 1976. He never forgot his old friends and would often get together at Paddy’s Pub in Cambridge where they would reminisce about the old days and share what was happening in there and their families lives. He was a longtime and loyal Bruins fan. Bill had many happy conversations with his grandson Steven Jr. Bill also held a deep love for animals. His cats, Tigger and Tubby, were his best pals. They were always on his lap seeking attention during the day and sleeping in his bed at night. His dogs, Whiskey and Turk, who also predeceased him, were always in his thoughts. He fed the birds in his yard every day and spent many joyful hours watching thenm along with the chipmunks and squirrels that came to visit. He was also an avid and longtime coin collector. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. His children remembered annual summer vacations spent at Lake Winnipesaukee with extended family and friends. They also recall his unique, and often dry, sense of humor. He had funny ways of expressing disapproval, especially when his children or grandchildren would show up with a new tattoo, despite having many of his own. He was so proud of his Scottish heritage that he flew the Lion Rampant, flag of Scotland, on his listened to the music of their native bagpipes. He and his daughter, Donna, spent many evenings going to see the ‘’Black Watch’’ Pipes and Drums at live venues throughout the area. Bill also loved Disco music. To the chagrin and amusement of his family, he would bust out his signature dance moves when he heard his favorite song, ‘’Disco Inferno’’ from ’’Saturday Night Fever’’. Despite his best efforts, he was no John Travolta which made even more fun to watch. He always let his family know how much they meant to him with his own special and loving ways, actions, and comments. Bill cared very much about others and worked very hard to take care of his wife and 5 children, sometimes working around the clock to make sure they wanted for nothing. Bill was the beloved husband of Barbara A. (Nichols). He was the loving father of Donna of Dracut, Mark & his wife Tammy of the Villages FL, Steven & his wife Susan of Dracut, David of Wilmington and Karen Santoro of Burlington. He was the son of the late Ruth (Stewart) & Herbert and brother of Evelyn ‘’Sis’’ Adams of Somerville and the late Ruth Papaleo, Bertha Welch, Herbert ‘’Sonny’’, Anabelle and Robert Adams. Bill was the proud grandfather of Amanda (Adams) Magee, Steven, Jr, William, Shannon, Robert, Brandon, Michael, Kenneth, Shawn, and Ryan Adams. He was the great grandfather of Rachel Chagnon, Alanisah ‘’Allie’’, Jacob, Natalie, and Elizabeth Adams. A visitation will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Concluding with Funeral Services and Military Honors at 6:30 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers memorials in Bill’s name may be made to The Neely House www.camneelyfoundation.org or the MSPCA www.mspca.org