Obituary of Howard Earl Adams Jr.

Howard E. Adams, Jr., 83, passed away on March 9, 2026 at the Syracuse VA Medical Center after a valiant and difficult fight with cancer. He was born November 2, 1942 in Groton, NY and was the son of the late Howard Sr. and Doris (Brown) Adams. In 1961, he graduated from Groton High School where he served as Captain of the football team. After high school, Howard served honorably in the United States Navy Reserve as a Seabee and was activated for two years serving ten months in Vietnam during the war. After serving overseas, he returned to work at Smith Corona completing 34 years as a Senior Tool Designer. After the plant closure, Howard went to work at Leonardi Manufacturing in Weedsport until he retired. He very much enjoyed raising animals on the family farm; was happiest outside gardening; lived for his family; and had a special father-like bond with his grandson Maxwell. The family thanks Dr. Aaron Garber of the VA Tompkins County Outpatient Clinic; all of the wonderful staff at the Syracuse VA Medical Center; and the Upstate University Hospital who provided care for him. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Judith (Gay) Adams, of Weedsport; his son John Adams (Amy), of Ocala, FL; his daughter Gwendolyn Frost (Al Pontes), of Palm Coast, FL; his son Gregory Adams (Jaime), of Fairhope, AL; and his daughter Sandra Schwager, of Weedsport. He is also survived by his sister Jeanette Karlson (Al), of Painesville, OH; his brother Martin Adams (Karen), of Groton; his sister Kathleen Gay (Ben), of Hartford, CT; and his brother Roger Adams (Tina), of Groton; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Diane Cook (2010). A celebration of life ceremony for Howard will be held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10 a.m. in Cortland and all that knew him are welcome to attend, with interment to follow in the Elmwood Cemetery in Preble and a reception at the Homer Fire Department Community Room. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are graciously directed to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. To offer condolences online visit www.wright-beard.com