Obituary of Ralph Adams

Ralph R. Adams, life-long Poughkeepsie resident and Hudson Valley businessman, died on Friday. He was 91. Together with his brother Donald, they established one of the area's most recognizable family businesses, Adams Fairacre Farms. Adams' growth and success was due in large part to Ralph and Donald's mutual respect and dedication to one another and to their customers. Ralph held a special place in his heart for his employees some of whom considered him a father figure and "abuelito." Married for 66 years, he is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Doris. Ralph served in WWII as a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. He earned his degree in Pomology at Cornell University, where he met his wife, and returned home to Salt Point to grow apples and work alongside his father on the farm at Fairacres. Upon his father's death, Ralph and Donald built the original store just behind their father's farm stand. Ralph continued to farm for 40 years. He took pride in his ability to grow quality produce and provide it to the community. He loved to work. He also loved to travel and enjoyed yearly trips around the U.S., Canada, and abroad with his wife and family. Ralph was a member of the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club where he enjoyed playing tennis with Doris on his day off. Born in 1923 to Ralph and Mary Adams, Ralph was part of a large and loving family. In addition to his wife Doris, Ralph is survived by his sister Diana, his brother Donald and sister-in-law Dale, his son Mark and daughter-in-law Sue, his son John, his daughter Mary and son-in-law Ed Droge, his daughter Annie and son-in-law Scott Craft, his grandchildren Jamie, Angela, Becky, Abigail and Warren, his great-grandchildren Ambika and Priya, and nephews and nieces Patrick, Kathy, Liz, Terry, Steve, Michael, David and Peter. Ralph was predeceased by his sister Dorothy, daughter-in-law Melody, great-grandson Benjamin, and nephew Timmy. The Adams Family thanks Vassar Brothers Medical Center and the Lutheran Care Center for the excellent care given and love and compassion shown to Ralph. Calling hours will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie. Burial will be private. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Visit www.heart.org or mail donations to American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.