Obituary of Bruce L. Adams

Bruce Lawrence Adams, Sr., born February 28, 1939, and known to most as Larry, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 17, 2026.

Larry's defining traits were honor and devotion to duty. That sense of honor was not something he spoke of; it was simply woven into who he was, in how he lived and how he treated others. It shaped his sons in turn, and became, with time, the standard by which they tried to live their own lives. He was known for his kind, generous spirit and the deep love he had for his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that made him memorable to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Larry had a passion for life and often joked he wanted to live to “one hundred and four and a half.” Though he didn’t reach that goal, he lived a life filled with joy, laughter, and family. In later years he expressed a desire to be reunited with the love of his life, his wife Renate, who predeceased him by twenty-three years.

Larry was a career U.S. Marine and incredibly proud of his service to his country. His service included fighting in the Vietnam War and working in avionics at air bases and aboard aircraft carriers, including the USS America. His dedication to the Marines and to the country he served remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. In retirement, he remained active with local veterans’ organizations and affairs, often including family members so they could share in his pride and passion for the Marines and patriotism for the country he loved.

Larry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Renate; his son, Bruce Lawrence Adams, Jr.; his mother, Eula Lambert; his father, Irvin Adams; and his sister, LaRita Garoutte.

He is survived by his sons, Bruce (Sandy) Adams and Patrick (Sherri) Adams; his grandchildren, Jon (Carolanne) Adams, Erika (Kenneth) Marble, and Michael Adams; and his great- grandchildren, Jaden Marble, Aria Marble, and Scott Adams.

Larry will be remembered for his generosity, humor, love of family, devotion to his country, and the unmistakable personality that made him so special to those who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter #377, 2272 Dryden Road, Dryden, NY, or to CNY SNAP, 17 Salisbury Street, Cortland, NY.

A calling hour will be held on October 10, 2026 from 12-1pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. A graveside service will follow at the Glenwood Cemetery.