On this day, we honor the Angelversary of Chief Petty Officer Bobby R. Adams, who passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on October 2, 1930, in Barnes, Kansas, to Oscar and Wilba (Schleier) Adams, Bobby’s life was a testament to service, hard work, and dedication. Just three weeks after his 17th birthday, he joined the U.S. Navy as a Seaman’s Apprentice, embarking on a career that would see him rise to the rank of Chief Petty Officer before his retirement.
After serving his country with distinction, Bobby continued to apply his skills and leadership in civilian life. He successfully ran his own electrical company and later worked as a ship’s supervisor at Electric Boat. His dedication to his fellow veterans was clear through his role as commander of VFW Post 3263 in Mystic, Connecticut, where he supported and guided his community with the same integrity he had shown throughout his naval career.
Bobby was predeceased by his loving wife, Isolde, and his son, Michael, as well as his siblings Janis, Mel, Ron, and Bill. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Barbara Martin (Bill), Linda Adams (Amy), Susan Brown (Russell), and Lisa Sunderland (Joe). His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jessica Adams-Davis (Erik), David Brown (Jordan), Emily Adams, Rachel Sunderland, and Gavin Sunderland, as well as his great-granddaughter, Isla Brown. His daughter-in-law, Melissa Adams, and his surviving siblings, Gene, Elly, Mary, Peggy, Kevin, and Greg, also carry forward his memory, as do many cherished friends, including Dave, Wally, Fritz, Brian, JoAnn, and Richie.
In February 2024, Bobby’s life was honored at a memorial service, where family and friends gathered to celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Donations were made in his memory to VFW Post 3263 and the Sebec Lake Association, organizations that were close to his heart. In March a Celebration of life Ceremony took place.
As we reflect on Bobby R. Adams’ Angelversary, we remember a man who exemplified service, loyalty, and love for his family, his country, and his community. His memory continues to inspire those who knew him, and his legacy of dedication and kindness will never be forgotten.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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