In Memoriam: John Adamo

John Adamo Jr. died suddenly Dec. 2, 2015, at the age of 57. He was the CEO of the Adamo group of companies, based in Detroit. A professional engineer who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University in 1980 and an MBA from Wayne State University in 1987, Adamo began working alongside his father, John T. Adamo Sr. at the family's demolition and construction firm in 1981. He and his brother Richard, took over the reins in 1992 when he became CEO of the Adamo group of companies, a position he held until his passing.

Adamo was also a member of the executive committee of the National Demolition Association (NDA), Washington, where he was considered a leader, colleague and friend to many.

The NDA described Adamo as a thoughtful and dedicated leader in the NDA community. Adamo Demolition Co. was a founding member of NDA in 1972.

“John’s support of NDA was strong and heartfelt as he spent countless hours working on committees and task forces to improve the programs and services offered to our membership,” the NDA says in a statement. “John proudly stepped up and assumed the reigns of leadership with enthusiasm after being elected to serve as the association’s treasurer in March 2015. As treasurer, John instituted several new management and financial stewardship policies to benefit the association.”

Peter Banks, NDA president, says of Adamo’s passing, “I have had the honor of getting to know John while serving on the NDA board together. We wanted John to join the Executive Committee because we recognized his dedication to the association.”

Banks continues, “Not long after he accepted the [treasurer] role, we knew we had recruited the right man. John was all in and was a tremendous addition to our team. He was an example of why you serve on volunteer boards. He offered great insight, listened, learned, and mentored.”

The NDA credits Adamo with playing a key role on the Government Affairs Task Force recently and was instrumental in the development of NDA’s first national policy agenda which will make its way to Capitol Hill in early 2016.

“John was a great leader and valuable member of the NDA board of directors. His absence will be felt by all within the demolition community and our organization,” the NDA states.

Under Adamo’s leadership, the Adamo group of companies has played a critical role in the demolition of thousands of blighted properties in Detroit. Adamo was featured in an article in the March-April 2015 issue of Construction & Demolition Recycling, titled “Determined in Detroit.”

Adamo leaves behind a wife, Barbara, and four daughters. He had a very active family life, held great professional responsibilities, yet still made time to forge many great friendships and pursue his interests in sports, hunting, snowmobiling, and music. His obituary says, “His is a presence that will be sorely missed by those who were blessed to have been part of his life.”

Family will receive friends on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2-8 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd., Troy, Michigan. Funeral mass will be Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Rd., Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Visitation at church begins 10 a.m.

Memorial tributes can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital and Capuchin Missionaries, Detroit.