Rochester/Canandaigua: At age 82, John passed peacefully on June 14, 2021 at the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center. He was born on May 18, 1939 to the late Robert and Elizabeth (Tennant) McAdam. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his twin sister Joan Rice, sister Margaret Matheson, and brothers-in-law Vincent Matheson and John W. Martin, II. Survived by siblings; Elizabeth Martin and Robert (Mary) McAdam; brother-in-law Eric Rice; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
After high school John joined the US Navy and served from 1962 to 1967. Following his military service he returned to Rochester and worked at Eastman Kodak in the Security Division for many years. John lived a full life, proud of his Scottish Heritage, and was a people person. He was a resident of Fountain Street in the City for a considerable number of years and in his neighborhood helped maintain Swillburg Park. He was a competitive ballroom dancer for over three decades, walked five miles a day, was a licensed barber for over 40 years, and enjoyed volunteering at the RPO, the Auditorium Theatre, and the George Eastman House.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, June 22nd, from 11am-1pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY where his funeral service will be held at 1pm, following calling hours. Private burial for the family to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Victor, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, 255 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I ushered with John for RBTL shows at the Aud. I would give him a ride home and pick him up sometimes. I decorated the Eastman Theatre with him and did other special events for the RPO with him. He loved his RPO, RBTL, and his Swillburg neighborhood. If John wasn’t at a show, ushers would ask around, wondering how he was. He always had a kind word and a friendly hello for all.
Laura Viau
We in the Swillberg neighborhood who knew John are the poorer for losing such a wonderful and caring neighbor. I appreciated how he kept his garden lovely. It was such a thoughtful and meaningful task done with diligence throughout the years. He was friendly to all he greeted on his many walks in Swillberg. You are very much missed! I wish there were more people like you on the planet. Qué Dios te bendiga John!
My sincere condolences to John’s family. I am disappointed I was not able to get to the calling hours.
John McAdam was truly a fixture at nearly all RPO concerts for many, many years. He was so loyal, enthusiastic and friendly. As the volunteer manager at the RPO, I always knew that when John was asked to take on an unusual task (or one few others would tackle) – the answer would be yes.
Everyone knew John – the other volunteers, the merchants on Gibbs St., the patrons of the RPO and the musicians. He will be missed.
I met the notice of John’s passing with sadness and a flood of pleasant memories. John was truly special and thinking about him after all the years that have passed since we both walked the turf of Kodak Park makes me smile.
I saw John often and every time John made me feel that I was a special friend. His greetings were always warm and enthusiastic and he was always able to share an interesting story or thoughtful insight.
Whether at Kodak Park or the halls of the Eastman Theater, John could bring a smile to my face and send me on my way feeling better for knowing him. We could use more people like John as we wend our way through trying times.
May he rest in peace. Chip Dawson
I was saddened to read John’s obituary in today’s edition of the Democrat & Chronicle. I was privileged to know John for nearly 30 years where he supported the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as an enthusiastic and loyal volunteer. I can say that he was one of the nicest, most genuinely kind people I have ever met. I always looked forward to seeing him. My condolences to his family.
We in Swillburg will surely miss John’s ever-present “Hello!” to one and all. So kind and grateful for rides and conversation, he was our Fountain Street cheerleader for many years. Godspeed, dear John.
I also recall my father gathering up his sons to visit Uncle John’s in-home barber shop. He had absolutely everything in place there, even a barbershop chair. The haircut was well done, the visit was always jovial, and the price was right every time. Uncle John enjoyed his craft and one could easily notice this while there.
He also enjoyed our family’s annual holiday gatherings, which we all did. Everyone had a hectic schedule of course, but a Christmas time get together was never missed by anyone. Uncle John clearly enjoyed the time with his niece and nephews each year, and those were memorable times for me as well. May this good man, my Uncle, Rest In Peace.
We will certainly miss our Brother John. He always enjoyed being with other people and had many friends. He also enjoyed volunteering for the RPO in Rochester, and attending the musicals that came to town. We often saw him in Canandaigua when the RPO was performing there. He very much related to his twin Sister Joan all of his life. Joan sadly passed away a few months ago. His last year was difficult due to the imposed Covid-19 related restrictions.
John, we know you are now at peace.
Love,
Bob & Mary
I will always remember Uncle John. One of my first memories is when my father would take my brothers and me over to Uncle John’s house to get our hair cut. For many years I picked Uncle John up to visit family at Steve and Ann’s house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had so many great times over the holidays! Uncle John will be sorely missed. RIP Uncle John.