Mystic, CT – Bobby R. Adams, surrounded by his family, peacefully left this world on January 27, 2024. Born in Barnes, KS on October 2, 1930, to Oscar and Wilba (Schleier) Adams, Bobby joined the Navy as a Seamen’s Apprentice three weeks after his 17th birthday, and eventually retired as a Chief Petty Officer. His naval career included time as an instructor in the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and medals for his service in China, Korea, the Cuban Missile Quarantine, 1960s Mid East crisis as well as National Defense, Navy Occupation, and United Nations Service awards. He left landlocked Kansas, travelled the world and earned his amateur featherweight boxing card, all while in the Navy.
After his Naval retirement, he had his own electrical company, responsible for wiring many area businesses. He later went on to work for Millstone and eventually became a ship’s supervisor at Electric Boat, where he made many friends that he still has to this day.
A born organizer, Bobby served as the commander for VFW Post 3263 in Mystic. He was as famous for his clam bakes and game dinners as for his telling of tales, both tall and “fishy”.
Bobby was an avid fisherman, hunter and all-around outdoorsman. He loved his time in Maine, where he built a beautiful cabin retreat on Sebec Lake, as he says, “pounding every nail in himself, except for the roof,” where he got help.
Bobby was also an avid gardener, harkening back to his farming days in Kansas, as well as a bird and wildlife watcher. He always had multiple bird feeders and was not remiss in feeding his favorite foxes. However, squirrels were another issue. He couldn’t quite understand that feeding wildlife means all types of wildlife would come eating.
Bobby is predeceased by his beloved wife, Isolde; his son, Michael; and his siblings, Janis, Mel, Ron and Bill.
Bobby is survived by his daughters, Barbara Martin (Bill) of Lecanto, Fl; Linda Adams (Amy) of Belchertown, MA; Susan Brown (Russell) of Niantic, CT; and Lisa Sunderland (Joe) of Ashaway, RI; his grandchildren, Jessica Adams-Davis (Erik); David Brown (Jordan); Emily Adams; and Rachel and Gavin Sunderland; his daughter-in-law, Melissa Adams and his great granddaughter, Isla Brown. He is also survived by his siblings- Gene, Elly, Mary, Peggy, Kevin and Gregg. Finally, he leaves behind many longtime friends, including Dave, Wally, Fritz, Brian, JoAnn and Richie.
Calling hours will be at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic on Saturday, February 3rd from 2-4 pm. A memorial service and celebration of life will take place in March. Details to be announced later.
Donations can be made to VFW Post 3263, 60 Stonington Road, Stonington CT 06355 or to the Sebec Lake Association, PO Box 303, Dover Foxcroft ME 04426-0303.
Much thanks to the staff at Academy Point for their care.