October 01, 2018
Mark A. Adams, Jr. ’14; played on NCAA Championship hockey team
Mark A. “Roo” Adams, Jr. ’14, a member of the Providence College men’s hockey team’s 2015 NCAA Championship team, died unexpectedly on Sept. 18, 2018, after a medical incident.
Mr. Adams played defense for the Friars from 2010-2015. He appeared in 98 games, totaling two goals and six assists. He played in all four NCAA Tournament games in 2015 as PC won its first NCAA title in a men’s team sport, defeating Boston University in the championship. An integral part of the team on and off the ice, he distinguished himself with his fierce competitiveness, dedication to his teammates and to improving his skills, and leadership, as evidenced by a strong work ethic.
“Our program is heartbroken with the passing of Mark,” said Nate Leaman, PC’s head coach. “He was a great teammate and a special part of our entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Following his PC career, Mr. Adams signed a contract with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings but retired shortly thereafter due to knee injuries.
Mr. Adams, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business economics, was born in Boston and lived in Boxford, Mass. He attended Shore Country Day School and Malden Catholic High School, helping the boys’ hockey team reach the Super 8 finals as a Catholic Conference all-star during the 2007-08 season. In 2009, he was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round and 134th overall in the NHL Draft.
After transitioning to the United States Hockey League, the top junior hockey league in the nation, he played for and was a captain of the Chicago Steel before entering PC.
Mr. Adams was senior vice president of pharmaceutical sales and business development with Cambridge Technologies in Teaneck, N.J., and Boston. Shortly after his hockey career, he moved to New York City and worked as a property analyst with Glenview Capital. He then was employed with Merrill Lynch’s Private Equity Group in Boston.
Among his hobbies, he enjoyed golfing, walking his dogs, Max and Sadie, laughing, and doting upon others close to him, including his family, his girlfriend, Kathryn M. Graf, and his Friar hockey family.
Mr. Adams was the son of Mark Sr. and Heather Adams. In addition to his parents and girlfriend, he is survived by his siblings, Katharine “Katie” M. Adams, John “Jack” Adams, and Matthew M. Adams; his maternal grandparents, Rev. Dr. Emily Chandler and Rev. Charles C. Navle; his paternal grandparents, Bonnie Asquith and Harvard M. Adams Sr.; his grandparent, Linda White; Kathryn’s parents, Tom and Barbara Graf and family; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his PC hockey family.
A celebration of his life was held on Sept. 24 at Turner Hill Country Club, Ipswich, Mass. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Rockport, Mass.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Roo Adams Forever Friar Fund, in care of Kyle Murphy, Providence College Department of Athletics, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI, 02918.
