Christina Rioux
After a couple years, Adam decided to expand his career with The Chart House, and went into their management program. He was placed at the Baltimore Chart House, so then Derek and I would take the train EVERY weekend to Baltimore to visit Adam and his new friends. Everywhere he went, Adam made friends easily. He was a light that attracted everyone in the room to him. After Baltimore, Adam transferred to Philadelphia, and then he was chosen to open new Chart Houses all over the United States. So, off he went to Maui, California, Florida – you name it. We eventually drifted apart; but we never lost touch. We became TRUE FRIENDS.
Over the years, I would meet the girl Adam was interested in at the time. There was never any jealousy or animosity, just true appreciation of the man that he was. When he came back to New Jersey, he met Patty; and his life changed again. In her, he found his soul mate, and the woman who would be by his side for the rest of his life. They were great together – enjoying food, laughter and life. Speaking of food, anyone who knew Addie also knew that he was a fabulous baker and chef. He inspired Derek to work in the food industry as well. When I would make something really fabulous to eat, I would text a picture of it to Adam. He would tell me I was “the bomb” and then we’d talk on the phone about what he was making for dinner that night. I miss those calls big time!
During the past 3 years, Adam was doing catering gigs for Tommy Lasagna at the new Freedom Tower in NYC. He asked Derek to help him out with these gigs, so the two of them got to spend a lot of time together – working hard, but enjoying every minute. Every single time they worked together, Adam would call me from the train on his way back to the Jersey shore, and tell me that Derek was THE man, a superstar – well liked and a hard worker. He always made sure to compliment me as a mother.
That was Adam – the person who went out of his way to make other people feel special. That was his gift. Today, April 7th is his birthday. He is so missed by those that knew and loved him. This Sunday, Derek and I are going to visit Patty to sit on the bench she got him on the Asbury Park boardwalk and pay tribute to a man that we will NEVER forget. Rest in peace, my dear sweet friend.
Patty Woods
Adam was a presence, kind with a nice word to say about everyone. Always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. For all this and more than I can list, he will be missed.