Richard Sharp Adams

Richard Sharp Adams

June 6, 1948 – April 15, 2026

Richard Sharp Adams was born to Carl John Adams Sr. and Isabelle Patricia Sharp in Springfield, Illinois and raised in Burlington, Iowa where he attended St. Patrick’s School & Church, and Notre Dame High School. He later attended Indiana State University.

As a young man, Richard was a standout athlete, excelling in basketball and baseball. In Burlington, he was a star Little League pitcher who led his team to win the Iowa State Championship. He later attended Notre Dame High School, where he was a four-year varsity athlete and, as a freshman, hit a 30-foot buzzer-beater to win a homecoming game—an achievement still remembered in Burlington lore.

Richard was a restaurant owner in Tempe, Arizona and a big ASU sports fan. He was a music lover, a proud father of three and spent the last 20+ years in Kingston and Bainbridge Island, working as a tribal gaming agent at The Point Casino.

He is survived by his children, Brian Adams, Natalee Walker, and Joseph Adams; his grandchildren, Bella, Kayla, and Kaylee; his former spouse, Betty Lee Maggio; his brother and sister-in-law, Carl J. Adams Jr. and Colleen Adams; and his niece, April Swanson.

Richard will be remembered for his strength, independence, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew him.

There will be a Funeral Mass held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bainbridge Island on May 14th at 11:00am (Rosary at 10:30) with a reception to follow. All are welcome.

He will be laid to rest at Queen Of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa Arizona.