Source: Pat Dorfman
Nov. 11, 2014 By Christian Murray
Luke Adams, a long-serving volunteer and former Sunnyside business owner, passed away from cardiac arrest last night at 8 pm. He was 76.
Adams, who was at one time the president of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, was well known by the community for his work with the Sunnyside Woodside Lions Club and SunnysideArtists.org. Furthermore, he was the first recipient of the Sunnysider of the Year award, which is named after him.
“Luke Adams is a local treasure,” said Pat Dorfman, at a fundraiser in honor of him earlier this year. “He is the best promoter in Queens and loyal to a fault,” she said at the time.
Adams had lived in Sunnyside for more than 40 years. He owned a travel agency on 43rd Street for many years.
He also had a vast collection of photographs that showcased Sunnyside and its history.
“We are all saddened by the news that Luke Adams has passed away, said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer in a statement. “Luke loved Sunnyside like no other person could.”
State Sen. Mike Gianaris echoed these sentiments. “Luke Adams was a Sunnyside icon who dedicated his life to making his neighborhood a better place, and he will be deeply missed,” he said in a statement.
There will be a wake at Lynch Funeral Home on Thursday and a funeral mass at St Raphaels on Friday at 11am. (click for details)
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23 Comments
Direct Link to SPECIAL Luke Adams Woodside Issue, Nov 14, 2014 http://issuu.com/woodsideherald/docs/woodside_herald_11_14_14
I know Luke since ’82. He had Travel agency in my father house for 2 years,
and being interested in art we quickly become good friends and so till his death. Excellent appreciation in arts and unique personality
He Was very much an ARTIST with loving interest in many things.
We don’t really have romantic parks with statues to honor those that deserve. But perhaps the best place to do that is in the 46th street new mini plaza under subway, Luke’s Agency was in 2 places on 46 street.
A 2 x 6″ gold memorable plaque in that 46 st.mini plaza. Has a lot of attention from visitors including artists and photographers for the last years and it’s livelier than a cemetery. The place and design of the plate I would like to contribute.
Luke, heaven will give you the proper respect. simon d.
R.I.P. Luke Adams. He always had a warm smile for everyone!
God’s speed Luke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jXrmAKBBTU
Luke was a wonderful man who help to shape the Sunnyside we know today.
We lost one of the great one. I know he will look down on us from heaven.
God bless and keep you Luke…
Sunnyside Artists is awe-filled to hear that Anthony Kulzer who has been helping Roel Vanderkooi, executor of Luke’s estate, with kindness and care around the clock with all arrangements, has set up at Roel’s request, an online site for those who wish, in lieu of flowers, to contribute in Luke’s name, which would fund an annual “Luke Adams Art Prize” to be given to winning artists at the yearly juried fine art show.
http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/-the-luke-adams-art-prize-/261775
The yearly show is juried by local artists themselves. In the past four shows, the prizes of $500, $300, $200 were funded from anonymous donors and given 100% to top three scoring artists, and will continue similarly in perpetuity. If his site allows names to be revealed, we will create on our site a permanent list of all donor names, on a unique page, if donors permit.
Thank you, Roel, from
everyone at
Sunnysideartists.org
Facebook/SunnysideArtists
Luke, what a nice Man. When ever I saw him he would have a sweet smile and a kind word. He will be missed by many.
he really was Mr. Sunnyside, always had a smile and a welcoming nature, this is definitely a loss for Sunnyside and his many friends
Service Information Posted by Lynch Funeral Home http://edwarddlynchfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/452/Luke_Adams/service-information.html#content-start
Fist met Luke in the early 70’s , always a true gentleman and a kind friend. Sunnyside has lost it’s Mayor. Rest in Peace.
May he RIP you will always be remembered .U were kind hearted, , sweet kind and wonderful soul dad and my family always got tickets from your travel agency.we will always cherish the fine things you done in Sunnyside. Love u
Rest in Piece Luke. You will be dearly missed. You have been so Kind to my family and friends ever since I met you back in the mid 1980’s. We all will miss you
He was an excellent person. He was always bringing the community together. We will miss him.
Didn’t alwAys agree with you but know you meant well.
I was honored to receive the 2015 Luke Adams Sunnysider Award. As a Turkish Community we are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our friend, Luke Adams. He was an exceptional member of the community who rendered great service in spreading the understanding of dialogue and tolerance among neighbors. His smiling face and reconciling personality will be greatly missed in this community
We would like to offer out heartfelt condolences to his grieving family, relatives and friends.
May God have mercy on his soul and may he rest in eternal peace.
RIP Luke Adams and sympathies to his family.
I only met Mr. Adams once. That was earlier this year at the art fair at Queen of Angels. They were offering a free glass of wine to anyone buying a piece of art at the show and he was behind the table serving it. The fair was just about over and there was plenty of wine left so he offered me a second cup.
It was a small gesture but It’s simple thoughtfulness like that like that make Sunnyside seem like a small village sometimes.
I am deeply saddened by the loss we all share.
Luke was/will always live on in us through our memories and character.
Luke Adams loved Sunnyside, and Sunnyside loved Luke. He will always be remembered as such a kind man. R.I.P.
Had a great time with you when we were in New York
We miss you already Luke
Rest In Peace
RIP Luke
He set a great example of community service. We miss him already.
Very nice man.
Our deepest sympathy to Lukes family and friends. He was a great person and will be missed. The kiernan family