David Dale Adams
Garards Fort
David Dale “Mick” Adams, 76, of Garards Fort, peacefully passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family, after his courageous fight against the liver disease NASH. He was born October 25, 1949 in Waynesburg, to the late Ralph and Thelma Brown Adams.
David was a 1967 graduate of Mapletown Junior/Senior High School and attended Penn State University.
On April 24, 1976 he married his wife, Christine Vavrek Adams; they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
David was a lifelong resident of Greene County. He was a man of many talents and titles, from truck driving and construction to underground coal mining at Duquesne Light. He retired as an above ground outside electrician at Cumberland Mine and was a member of United Mine Workers of America Local 2300.
David was a deputy wildlife conservation officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and a hunter safety instructor for the state of Pennsylvania, where he shared his experiences and knowledge with many young hunters. He also helped coach youth football for the Bobtown Bulldogs for many years.
David enjoyed helping his brother, Ralph and sister-in-law, Minda on their farm, hunting, and watching the Steelers, Pirates and Penn State football. He also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and watching Westerns.
David loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He attended many dance recitals, football games, wrestling matches and swim meets.
Throughout life he had different passions including racing cars, showing horses and golfing.
There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. To his family he was the smartest man in the room whether he was awake or asleep. He knew endless amounts of history and always had a story to tell.
David is survived by his wife Christine Vavrek Adams; their children, Jennifer (Christopher) Jodikinos, David (Brittani) Adams and Tori (Josh) Adams; his grandchildren, Joseph David Adams, Evelyn Grace Adams, Mikayla Lynn Jodikinos and Christopher Andrew Jodikinos; sisters, Ellen (Teri) Keenan and Carol Boyd; and a brother, Ralph (Minda) Adams. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Diana Adams; and brother-in-law, Stephen Boyd.
Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, Paul M. Lesako, funeral director / owner, and Aaron S. Walker, funeral director. A blessing service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, June 4, in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. in St. Hugh Roman Catholic Church, with the Rev. Thomas Lewandowski as celebrant. Interment at Monongahela Hill Cemetery, Greensboro.
David’s family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and Amedysis Hospice.
To make a donation in his honor, the family suggests the American Liver Foundation, P.O. Box 299, West Orange, NJ 07052.