Nicholas Thomas Adams

Nicholas Thomas Adams, 67, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and beloved dog in Sun Lakes, Arizona on January 8, 2026.

His favorite musician Dean Martin was playing Sway (Quien Sera) and the sun instantly shined through the rain clouds on him as he took his final breath.

Nicholas will be deeply missed by his daughter and best friend Nicole, son-in-law Garet, and his family and many friends in both the Akron and Chandler/Sun Lakes communities.

Born December 30, 1958, Nicholas cherished his family and was the loving son of Dr. Thomas and Pauline Adams; brother of Jason Adams (JoAnna, Juliana, Christian) and Dean Adams. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Annette VanDoros Adams. Blessed with many wonderful relatives and the friendship of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church community, Nicholas grew up surrounded by love.

Nicholas was a friend to everyone. His warmth, smile, and enthusiasm was clear in everything he did. Nicholas was passionate about learning, and valued education. Nicholas attended the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. He majored in East Asian studies (BA) and double minored in Philosophy and Religion. His masters program brough him to Glendale, Arizona where he earned his Masters Degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management (Masters of International Management.) In his career he became Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (Xerox).

Nicholas was incredibly brave, resilient and tenacious as he privately battled Leiomyosarcoma, a rare, aggressive cancer that develops in the body's smooth muscles.

Nicholas was humble, and held that mentality throughout the cancer. He valued his independence above all. Every twist and turn he took in stride. He very rarely complained, and rode the unpredictable waves of cancer as they came and went, but were ever present, with determination.

Nicholas will be remembered for his positive presence. He was jovial, boisterous, funny, adventurous, and pure. He lived his life with an open heart, loved to learn, and his sociability made him friends wherever he went. His passions were his family, friends, faith, music, reading, film and tv, sports, comedy, spirituality, and philosophy. He also valued his community, volunteered for many organizations, and was an effervescent donor to many charities.

Nicholas had many interests and passions. He was his most-free self when he was listening to music, seeing live concerts, cycling miles across Arizona and the country, playing roller hockey, skiing, and hiking. And of course watching sports. He was knowledgeable in many topics, and shared many interesting facts and quotes. It made him an excellent conversationalist and advice giver.

Nicholas was very clear in his final wishes. First, he wanted everyone to celebrate his life rather than mourn. He felt he lived a fulfilling life, and was honored to be surrounded by loving family and friends, and being able to travel the world. He lived a great life, physically mentally and spiritually, through his love of Jesus Christ and his Greek Orthodox faith.

Additionally, Nicholas wanted his family and friends to know how much he loved and cherished them. He truly enjoyed spending time with everyone, and he wanted to express his deep gratitude for all the love and support he received throughout his life. He was also able to travel and see the world. He always felt very blessed, and thanked the Lord every day for being so fortunate. He had no regrets.

Nicholas had bright aura, and his presence is extremely and deeply missed. Above all Nicholas was a very good person. Kind, generous and funny. He was the best friend. He was the coolest Dad. May his memory be eternal.

Services will be held 10 am MONDAY January 26 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox church with Rev. Fr. Dean Kokanos officiating. Internment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., SUNDAY from 1 to 4 pm. Trisagion service will take place at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Hospital, MS Society, MDA, or Shriner's Kids.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)