Wesley A. Adams, former Winterthur administrator

Wesley A. Adams, 85, of Lewes, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at Cadbury at Lewes.  Mr. Adams was born in Wingate, Md., son of the late James Hudson Adams and Lucille Reynolds Adams.  He was also predeceased by a sister, Gloria Todd.

After working for a few years as a Certified Public Accountant for Frank A. Gunnip CPA firm, he was hired as an administrator for the newly-opened Winterthur Museum, Library and Gardens.  Even though he received many offers to return to the CPA field and other activities, he found the work at Winterthur to be so interesting and rewarding that he continued on as the administrator for 35 years until his retirement in 1986. He and his wife then relocated to the Lewes Beach cottage they had purchased in 1965.

Mr. Adams was an avid fisherman and had worked as a mate on fishing vessels in the Chesapeake Bay during the summers of 1938 through 1941.  He was also a U.S. Navy veteran.

His community involvements were numerous and included serving at Winterthur as administrative comptroller, treasurer of the corporation board which oversees the property, deputy director and director.  He also served on the boards of the American Association of Museums,
International Committee of Museums, Northeast Museums Conference, the University Whist Club, the Wilmington Rotary Club, Grace United Methodist Church, Wilmington Savings Fund Society and the Lewes Yacht Club. His memberships also included the American Institute of CPAs, Delaware Society of CPAs, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Norma Riggin Adams; one son, Richard Wesley Adams of Lewes; a brother, William L. Adams of Fenwick Island; two sisters, Mary Frances Dean and Louella Ruark of Lower Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 West 4th Street, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 1 p.m.  Entombment will follow at the Bethel Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Bethel United Methodist Church or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Home, Lewes.