EASTHAMPTON - Theodore Eastman Adams Jr., beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, died on July 24, 2010, at home.

Ted was born in 1922 in Easthampton, son of Theodore E. Adams and May Clark Adams. He graduated from Easthampton High School and Northampton Commercial College. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944 "for heroism and extraordinary achievement" as an air crewman of a dive-bomber plane attached to the USS Wasp in the Pacific.

Ted worked along with his brother in his father's business, T.E. Adams Plumbing and Heating, until his retirement. From 1966, he served as both a corporator and trustee of Easthampton Savings Bank, which he considered an honor and particularly enjoyed the bonus of the annual banquets. In 2000, he was elected an honorary trustee for life.

Ted and his wife raised their family on Park Street and in 1997 they were among the first residents of the Lathrop Community on Florence Road, where he will be remembered for his wit, his trained chipmunks, and his exquisite zinnia garden.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Vera Diggle Adams, and his younger brother, Robert.

Ted is survived by his daughters, Sandra Adams, and Karen Adams and her husband, Lawrence Balter; Sandi's two sons; and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Dorothy Miller of Westhampton, and his youngest sister, Ruth McGuire of Easthampton, whose selfless devotion to her brother enriched the last years of his life with countless loving gestures. Ted's family also includes numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws of many generations.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 30, from 4-7 p.m. at the Graham Funeral Home, 18 Adams St., Easthampton.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Brookside Cemetery. The Graham Funeral Home has been entrusted with providing for Theodore's care and services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in his name be made to the Lathrop Community, 100 Bassett Brook Drive, Easthampton, MA 01027, or VNA Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, P.O. Box 329, Northampton MA 01061.