Claude M. Adams, beloved husband of Sandra, passed away at his home in Niantic on Monday (March 17, 2008). Born in Middletown, son of the late Claude M. Adams and Margaret Russell, he grew up in Cromwell and attended Middletown High School, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team and was class president his freshman year. His classmates had it right with his yearbook quote, "I have laid aside business and gone a-fishing."

In 1935, Claude's father ran a charter fishing boat, The Wanderer. After his father came home from the war in 1945, Claude got the boat ready in the winter and charter fished in the summer; a life- work that continued until the end. A second boat, The Lady Margaret, was added to the fleet in 1956 and Claude became the youngest charter boat captain on the east coast. He added 52 years of boating experience to his father's and became a legend in Long Island Sound.

Besides his wife and mother he is survived by his children, Claude M. and Patty Adams of Waterford, Donald and Lynn Adams of Cromwell, Steven and Rose Adams of Woodbridge, and Cathleen Mahony of Chicago. His brothers, James Adams of East Haddam, David Adams of North Carolina, and a sister Barbara Spada of Cromwell, stepson, Bill Anderson (Vicky) of Colchester, and stepdaughter Debbie Stevens (Roy) of Niantic, and nine grandchildren, Claude "CJ" and Lindsey Adams, Michael and Danielle Adams, Ryan and Kerry Mahony, Nicole and Chelsea Stevens, and Billy Anderson, who were his greatest joy! He was also survived by his stepfather Bob Russell and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Adams. Besides his father he was predeceased by his infant son Thomas.

He was a former president and life member of the CT Charter Party Boat Association, and a member of Washington Lodge 81 F & AM, Cromwell, CT. Claude was a humble man who was admired and respected by all who knew him. He loved to cook for the grandkids, entertain his Black Point friends, go to Constantines on Friday nights, cheer on the Boston Red Sox, and watch the Lady Huskies. He will be missed by all his family and friends-to know him was to love him.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors and staff who cared for Claude at The Hartford Hospital- especially Dr. LaSala and nurses Sebby and Peg.

Please omit flowers. Show an act of kindness to a friend or someone in need.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday March 20 at 11 a.m. at the Thomas L. Neilan and Sons, East Lyme Funeral Home 48 Grand Street Niantic. Calling hours will be held this evening from 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. For directions, obituary information, to sign the family's online register book or to view Claude's video tribute please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com