Harold ‘Hal’ E. Adams Jr., woodworker, jewelry maker
Harold "Hal" E. Adams Jr., 83, of Dover, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, following a brief illness. Hal was born April 18, 1934, in East Lansdowne, Pa., and raised in Darby, Pa.
He graduated from Darby High School in 1952. After high school he moved on to work for Gulf Oil in Southwest Philadelphia, while raising his family in Levittown, Pa. After 29 years Hal retired in 1981. His favorite pastime was bowling and watching Philadelphia sports. Hal always enjoyed discussing family genealogy with those gathered around the dining room table.
He and wife, Shirley, moved to Lewes after retirement where he picked up his hobby of woodworking, making beautiful pieces of furniture and always working on projects around the house.
After the death of his first wife, Hal had a second chance at love and laughter with Ruth Lorup. Together they picked up a new hobby of jewelry making, and made many beautiful pieces together.
Hal was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Shirley R. Adams; son Dale R. Adams; sister Dorothy Jean Hutchinson; and brother Charles "Chuck" Adams. He is survived by his loving companion Ruth Lorup; son Scott Adams and his girlfriend Tish Brey of Rehoboth; daughter Jennifer (Richard) Stadter of Vinton, Va.; son Jason (Cindy) Gibbs of Hatboro, Pa.; brother Richard Adams of Folsom, Pa.; sisters April (Dennis) Casper of Georgetown, Louise Rowland of Georgetown, and Noel Boraski of Richmond, Va. "Pop Pop" is also survived by Heather Adams, Casey (Emily) Adams, Amanda (Johnny) Longo, Tori Adams, Lauren Millman (Daniel), Layne Adams, Jessica (Matt) Dinterman, Keelan Adams, Kelly (Kristen) Adams, Kyler Millman, Connor (Ashley) Adams, Nichole (Zach) Saunders, Ryan Gibbs, Christopher Adams, Jake Gibbs, and Jordyn Gibbs, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to Compassionate Care Hospice of Delaware.
