Lebanon, N.H. —
He married Joan M. Bilodeau of Concord, N.H. on Jan. 9, 1954, and they made their home in Lebanon. Roger and Joan enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Joan predeceased him in June 2017.
Roger graduated from Lebanon High School in 1949. During high school he played football and served as vice president for his class. He remained a proud LHS Alumni throughout his lifetime, rarely missing the annual Alumni Day festivities, especially the chance to meet with friends and remember good times.
After High School, he followed in the footsteps of his father, uncles and older brothers by joining the bricklayers union, but was soon drafted by the U.S. Military. He proudly served with the Marine Corps.
Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began his lifelong career as a brick mason. From the construction of many buildings on the Dartmouth Campus as well as the 1960’s post-fire remodeling of downtown Lebanon – along with hundreds of individual residences – you don’t have to look far to see Roger’s craftsmanship, and he was always proud to tour family and friends around the Upper Valley to reminisce about his work.
Roger was a quintessential Upper Valley native whose memory dated back to the early 1930’s. He was famous for his stories regarding people and places that he encountered throughout his long life in Lebanon. He was an avid outdoorsmen and lover of nature.
Roger was a member of Sacred Heart Church and enjoyed serving his parish. He was on the church council and served as president for several terms. For a period of time, he and his wife Joan worked as custodians for the church. Roger was a member of the Knights of Columbus forth degree and volunteered during Bingo Night for many years.
During his retirement, he lent a hand for nearly two decades at the Lebanon Senior Center as a Meals on Wheels volunteer. He was an unabashed recovering alcoholic, with more than 37 years of sobriety. He consistently gave gratitude to the caring people of alcoholic anonymous who helped him and he gave back to the program for many years through volunteerism and mentorship. He was the master of many hunting dogs and grew to love cats in his later years.
In addition to his parents and wife, Roger was predeceased by four siblings Elwood Adams, Fred Adams, Rita White and Jane Batchelder. He is survived by three siblings, Jim Adams of Lebanon, N.H., Bob Adams of Etna and Judy Tompkins of Kingston, Mass.; as well as children, Tom Adams of Enfield, N.H., Matt Adams of Lebanon, Karen (Barr) Davenport of Bartlett, N.H.; five grandsons: Ben Adams, Bill Barr, David Barr, Chris Adams, Patty Adams; a granddaughter, Jillian (Adams) Miecielica; as well as five great-grandchildren, Khloe, Maddox, Billy, Ethan, Ava; several cousins and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will take place on Thursday, Jan. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon.
All who knew Roger are familiar with his love of the woods and hunting. To pay homage to this joyous part of his life, family and friends are invited to attend calling hours wearing something in red and black “hunting plaid” or favorite hunting attire and are encouraged to bring a story or photo to share.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon on Friday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life gathering in the Church Hall. Roger will be laid to rest in Lebanon at the Valley Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Roger’s memory may be mailed to Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, PO Box 433, Lebanon, NH 03766, or given on-line at www.gcscc.org (click on Donate button). All contributions will be dedicated to the Meals on Wheels program.
An online guest book is available to leave Roger’s family a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.