William R. Adams

William R. Adams

William R. "Bill" Adams, age 75, of Erie, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Brevillier Village. He was born July 22, 1945 in Erie, a son of the late John and Jessie Stanton Adams.

Bill served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and later continued his military career serving in the United States Coast Guard. While in the Coast Guard he participated in Operation Desert Storm of the Persian Gulf War. During his 22-year military career Bill earned and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (with one star), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with M device), the Humanitarian Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with 2 stars), Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, multiple Good Conduct Medals from both branches, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal awarded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

After his military service he entered into his second career in the medical field as a Hemostasis Technician at Saint Vincent Hospital for approximately 20 years. Bill enjoyed arts and crafts, gardening, volunteering at S.O.M.E., Tai Chi, and he was blessed with a very full life. He was also a friend of Bill and Dr. Bob for the last 42 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Janet Miller Adams; and a sister, Patricia Rizzo.

Bill is survived by his life partner, Betty M. Thumma; daughter, Lisa Carey; son, Andrew J. Adams (Kirsten); brothers, Donald Adams (Katherine), Rev. John Adams, and Michael Adams (Laurie); sisters, Mary Adams, and Beth Adams, O.S.B.; grandchildren, Latasha, Lisa, Autumn, Oliver, Ruby, Alex, Joseph, Felix, and Morgan; great grandchildren, Nathan, Arianna, Julian, Jasen, and Jazlyn. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502. Funeral services will be private. Visitors are required to wear masks and abide by social distancing standards. Memorials may be made to A.A. World Services, P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163 or to S.O.M.E., 71 O Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001.