Richard K. Adams

Richard K. Adams of Vergennes, a former resident of Stowe, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 30, 2013, at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Middlebury.

Dick was born Aug. 23, 1938, at the home of his parents, Lester (Sr.) and Beth (Davis) Adams. He graduated from Stowe High School in 1956 and went on to attend the University of Vermont for two years, majoring in history. He married Alva Blanchard in 1959, and they became parents of two daughters, Heather and Alana.

While living in Stowe, Dick had an antique shop on Main Street and later owned and operated a clothing store on the Mountain Road called the Three Green Doors. At the behest of Dr. and Mrs. Bottamini, through their mutual love of antiques, Dick moved to Vergennes. He fell in love with the city as well as with Joyce Charbonneau, and they married in 1970. Joyce had two daughters, Jodi and Laura. Together, they owned and operated the Commodore Restaurant, and Dick operated numerous antique ventures in Vergennes and online.

Dick liked to think of himself as an intellectual. His letterhead referred to him as a “dilettante,” or lover of the fine arts. He gained a remarkable knowledge of antiques while working for Arthur J. Sussell in Philadelphia. In his adopted hometown of Vergennes, he shared his knowledge and led many young men to enter the world of antiques and art. His love of antiques continued to the end. In addition, he was an active archeologist and student of native civilizations.

Perhaps more telling of Dick’s personality was the generosity with which he shared his time. He mentored untold youth around the corner table at the Commodore Restaurant, often employing them and counseling them about the trials and tribulations of life. Everyone who called Dick a friend carved his or her initials in that table.

Dick was also a public servant. He served for many years on the Bixby Library Board of Trustees, volunteering countless hours and helping to organize its vast inventory of historical documents. In addition, he served for many years on the Vergennes City Council, ultimately becoming mayor of his beloved city in 1993.

Dick also represented his brothers as a member of the board of directors for the George F. Adams Company, as well as being a shareholder in the company. 

Dick Adams touched the lives of many. His caring and thoughtful nature will always be remembered by those who could call him a friend. Dick, we will miss you.

Dick’s parents died earlier, as did his brother David and his sister Vickie; Joyce, his wife of 40 years; his stepdaughter Jodi; and his first wife, Alva.

Survivors include his daughters, Heather LeVaggi and her son Jamie, and Alana and her stepdaughter Laura (Charbonneau) Fording; his brothers and their spouses, Lester and Janet, Winford and Barbara, and Kent and Phyllis; and his sister, Andrea (Rich) McKnight.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Brown-McClay, 48 South Maple St., Vergennes.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bixby Memorial Free Library, 258 Main St., Vergennes, VT 05491.