Deceased Friars
Charles F Adams, OFM

1913 – 2000
Fr. Charles Adams, OFM, was born on June 22, 1913 in Rochester, N.Y., and baptized John. He graduated from Aquinas Institute, a diocesan high school, where he met the friars of Holy Name Province. He graduated from St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., in 1934 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and taught chemistry at Bona’s for two years after graduation. Later, in 1948, he would earn a master’s degree in the subject.
Adopting the name Charles, he was received into the Order on Aug. 12, 1936, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession and was ordained in 1940. After ordination, Fr. Charles taught chemistry at the college level for 32 years, first at Siena College for 11 years, and a St. Bonaventure University for 21 years. For most of his time at St. Bonaventure, he also served as chaplain of the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.
His ministry shifted to a pastoral track when he became the associate at St. Stephen Parish, Croghan, N.Y., with charge of the New Bremen and Castorland missions. He then moved to Assumption Parish, Fairport, N.Y., in the Diocese of Rochester. Finally, he became senior associate friar at Holy Cross Parish, Callicoon, N.Y. He retired in 1999 to St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla.
As longtime spiritual director of the Catholic Travel Office, Fr. Charlie traveled extensively abroad and arranged for other priests to do likewise. Along with his teaching career, he served as deputy chaplain from 1945 to 1970 of the New York wing of the civil air patrol, attaining the rank of major. He also became a licensed pilot and flew with the patrol.
He died on Dec. 3, 2000 at St. Anthony Hospital, St. Petersburg, Fla. Fr. Charles was 87 years old, a professed friar for 63 years and a priest for 60 years.