ROBERT W. ADAMS
Robert W. Adams, retired, former president and principle owner of the Green Mountain Railroad Corporation (GMRC), died at the Grace Cottage Hospital in Townsend, VT, in the early hours of December 2, 2010 after a long illness. He was 85 years old.
“Another good railroader lost! God rest his kind soul,” said Jerome “Jerry” Hebda, GMRC President.
A lifelong railroader, while still in high school Robert began his railroad career with the Rutland Railroad in December 1942. His studies took precedence; he resigned and restarted his 18-year career with the Rutland R.R. on July 1, 1943.
During World War II, he enlisted with the U.S. Army Military Railroad and was assigned to the Philippines from 1944 to 1946.
After his military service, Mr. Adams returned to the Rutland Railroad, but was often furloughed during the late 1950’s. He began work with F. Nelson Blount and his Monadnock, Steamtown & Northern Amusement Corporation on April 1, 1961. With the formation of GMRC in April of 1965, Mr. Adams became the new railroad’s Vice President of Operations. After F. Nelson Blount's untimely death on August 31, 1967, Robert became the President of GMRC and the majority stockholder. Stepping down from President to resume the position of Vice President of Operations in 1978, he continued to work until 1988, and resigned from the GMRC Board of Directors in 1993, a position he held from the railroad’s inception.
In addition to his railroad service, Mr. Adams was a certified Lionel Trains repair specialist and repaired and restored antique clocks.
Mr. Adams was born to Raymond and Doris Adams on September 12, 1925 in Bellows Falls and was a lifelong resident.
Services will be held on Monday December 6 at the Fenton and Hennessy funeral home in Bellows Falls VT at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow.