John E. Adams

ADAMS—John Edward, 104, Sarasota, FL, formerly of Johnstown, passed away April 29, 2026, in the loving home of his daughter, Christine and her husband, John Powell in Sarasota. Born July 13, 1921, in Johnstown, son of Paul F. and Marie (Malzi) Adams. Preceded in death by loving wife, Elizabeth Rose (Nees) Adams; son and daughter-in-law, John C. and Debby (Moku) Adams; son-in-law, Dr. Richard Doering; grandsons, Ricky Dixon and Johnny Powell; granddaughter, Elizabeth Rose Bevis and second wife, Ruth L. Bennear-Adams; siblings, Dorothy and husband, Victor Long; Paul and wife, Rita (Heinrich); Ruth and husband, Tom Widmann, Gordon and wife, Mary Ellen (Campbell); JoAn and husband, Charles Hall; brothers-in-law, Lloyd (Mac) Hughes, Lawrence Nees, William Gay and Dalton Pyle. Survived by daughters, Kathleen Doering, Christine (John) Powell, Jacqueline (Richard) Dixon, Lorraine (Don) Scott, Sharon (Hugh) Bevis and Carolyn (Dave) Leventry; step-son, Harry D. Bennear and step-daughter, Ruth Ann Bennear-Summers; also survived by 24 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren (plus 2 on the way). Brother of Alice Hughes, Johnstown and also survived by sister-in-law, Evelyn (Nees) Pyle, Delaware and numerous nieces and nephews. John graduated from Johnstown Catholic High School in 1939, serving as Senior Class President. He worked locally before joining the U.S. Navy in 1941. He trained as a Navy Fighter Pilot in Lake Michigan flying off aircraft carriers and attained the rank of Lieutenant J.G. He honed his flying skills at the naval flying bases in Wichita, Kansas and Quonset Point in Rhode Island, before going into battle during World War II. He was stationed in Malta in the Mediterranean, flying F6F Hellcats off the aircraft carrier Kasaan Bay, flying cover during the second invasion of Europe called the Dragoon Campaign. With the surrender of Germany in April, 1945, John was assigned to the Carrier USS Intrepid, flying TBF Avenger torpedo bombers during the Pacific Campaign against the Japanese, during the invasion of Japan at Okinawa. John was honorably discharged from the Navy in late 1945 after earning several citations for his courage in battle, flying numerous missions from the USS Intrepid. His exploits can be viewed on the Wall of Honor in the Johnstown Airport. John retired from the Prudential Insurance Company and served on the Board of Directors of the Highland Sewer and Water Authority and Geistown Borough Council. He was an Honorary Life Member of Council #8244, Knight of Columbus with 27 years of service, lifelong member of the American Legion and VFW. He was also a longtime member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown. John enjoyed spending time at the Stump Jumpers Camp in McKean County. He also enjoyed golf and was the founder of the Medicare Paradise Invitational Golf Outing which is in its 51st year. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where vigil will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Fr. David S. Peles Pastor. Committal, St. Joseph’s Cemetery with military graveside rites by Menoher VFW, Post #155 ritual team. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.