Howard R. Adams

Howard (Whitey) Adams, 98 years old, devoted and loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Great, Great Grandfather, left his earthly family and friends unexpectedly on May 12, 2026 to be with his Lord.

Howard was born to Ellis & Mildred Adams, December 15, 1927 in Altmar NY, before moving to Liverpool, NY in 1965. He attended school in Altmar, moved with his family to Black River, NY area in 1940, where he attended Black River School, where he was a baseball pitcher and played basketball in high school.

During World War II, he joined the Navy, trained at Sampson Naval Base, volunteered for the Seabee’s, and was stationed at Davisville RI. Later, he was stationed at Camp Parks, CA as a Brig Guard. After leaving the Navy, he returned to Black River NY area, where he worked as a brakeman, locomotive engineer and crane operator at Pine Camp now Fort Drum. He also worked for L.E. Burns, Black River in the winter delivering fuel oil until 1963. In 1953, he went to work for Greyhound Bus Lines driving for 34 years without an accident retiring in 1987.

He married Marie McOmber on February 9, 1963 in Lowville Methodist Church and has lived in Liverpool for 61 years. He was a member of the William C. Dexter Post 673 in Black River for 71 years (joining at 26 years old) and on September 13, 2025 he was named Distinguished Veteran of the Year and received a Certificate of Honor and the American Legion Grateful Appreciation Medal by the American Legion Post in Black River, NY.

He was a member of the Black River Fire Department for 71 years, the Liverpool Fire Department for 10 years, the Salina Town Hall Seniors, Pairs & Squares Square Dancers, member of the Liverpool Methodist Church for 61 years. He was devoted to watching his grandson, Pastor Daryl Adams' church services from Central Baptist Church in Monticello, FL every Sunday. For many years he drove the Methodist Youth Fellowship children on their bus trips.

He loved riding bicycle and running well into his 90’s. He competed in many races, and for many years he loved to run with his four-legged friend Zak in Onondaga Lake Park. For 52 years, he worked out regularly at many gyms; European Health Spa, Bally’s and Pacific Health.

He enjoyed watching his sons, Jon and Don, his Grandsons and Great Grandchildren play in Baseball Little League and other sports. He was a great fan of Syracuse University Sports and the NY Yankees.

He was an avid motorcyclist for 40 years along with his wife, Marie. They enjoyed many years of taking trips, especially their trip across parts of Canada to the western United States.

For 30 years he spent winter months in Cocoa Beach FL, with his wife. It was there that he made lifelong friendships with so many wonderful “winter friends”

He was honored in May of 2012 to be selected to be on the first Honor Flight for Veterans from Syracuse, NY to Washington D.C. to view the War Memorials.

Howard was a great kidder, he would pick on anyone he’d meet, maybe just someone walking by, but especially his Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces & Nephews. Whoever her met quickly loved Howard.

Howard will be remembered for the LOVE he had for his family and friends, his KINDNESS and the many STORIES from his life experiences.

In his later years he would always say “I’ve lived a wonderful life and have been blessed to live this long, with you Marie, my large loving family and good friends.”

He will surely be missed by his loving wife, loving family and so many dear friends.

Howard was preceeded in death by his parents, Ellis & Mildred Adams; son, Donald Adams; his brother and his wife, Douglas & Peg Adams; granddaughter, Kristen Schroy; grandson, Ryan Adams; son-in-law, Thomas Costanzo.

Howard is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Marie, who took such good care of him, always by his side; daughter, Lynn Costanzo of Watertown; sons, Richard (Marnie) Adams of Black River, David (Chris) Adams of N. Syracuse, Jonathan (Terri) Adams of Harrisville; daughter-in-law, Deborah Adams of Baldwinsville; granddaughters, Jessica (Craig) Conroy, Macenzi (Vernon) Johnson, Kelly (Kris) Hutson, Gino (Corey) Reid, Jenna (Chad) Johnson; grandsons, Daryl (Stacy) Adams, David (Jen) Adams, Thomas (Lena) Costanzo, Jonathan (Shaynna) Adams, Jeffrey (Cassi) Adams, Donald (Danielle) Adams, Walker (Denise) Adams; step granddaughter, Lindsey (Jeremy) Briggs; step grandson, Joe (Rebecca) Mizell; wonderful great grandchildren, Taylor, Sydney, Sophia, Spencer, Sydney, Samantha, Brady, Chloe, Kadi, Drew, Ryan, Anabella, Natalin, Jack, Neveah, Nadia, Robbie, Matt, Ellie, Walker, Carter, Lola, Seth, Camilla, Macksen, Dylan, Blake; step great grandchildren, Jonel, Sofeia, Chloe, Jack, Ellie, Owen, Max, Benny; three great great grandsons; nieces, Karen, Phyllis, Pam, Cheryl, Angela, Hannah, Sarah, Natalie; nephews, Mark, Christopher, Brian, Stephen, Caleb, Adrian, Gavin, Miles; cousin, Connie Bellinger; sister-in-law’s, Phyl McOmber and Julie McOmber; many other extended family members, and so many wonderful friends across the United States, Canada and life long friends, Chip & Ginny Trepanier and their family, Shelly and Ralph (deceased) Vincitore their daughter Lisa, Mary DiMiero and Jim D’Agostino, the Lewis Families and Greyhound Brothers.

We especially want to thank Dr. William Berkery and Dr. James Telonis for their excellent care, compassion and for always being there for Howard for over 35 years. Howard had a wonderful friendship with them both.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19th 10:30am-12pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals with a service to follow at 12pm.

To view the service click here

In lieu of flowers donations in Howard’s memory may be made to, Honor Flights of Syracuse NY, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, SPCA of CNY.