Harold William Adams, II, age 93, of Montpelier passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 8 after a very fulfilling life. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he made a profound impact on everyone he knew throughout his life's many seasons. He was a definitive Vermonter and native son of Montpelier who loved his community and above everything else, his family. He was born on June 7, 1924 in Montpelier to Harold W. Adams, Sr and Clara Mathieu Adams, the next to the youngest of 5 children. Harold spent his youth delivering newspapers, ice-skating on the Winooski River, serving mass at Saint Augustine's parish, and developing a sense of ingenuity and resourcefulness that would serve him throughout his life. He graduated from Saint Michael's High School in 1943 and was drafted into the army two weeks later and sent to the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Stationed in Honolulu, Harold was part of the allied force on its way to invade Japan in August 1945 when news came of the Japanese surrender. Shortly after returning home to Montpelier from the war, Harold met Lorraine Paquet, the love of his life and wife of over 66 years. While they were dating, Harold, a hobbyist pilot, would fly a small plane over Lorraine's family farm on West Hill in Barre Town and tip his wings to say hello. Harold and Lorraine were married on October 14, 1950 at Saint Monica's Parish. They loved and grew together as partners, raising their five children and experiencing everything life sent their way with an unwavering love and commitment to each other. Harold worked for the State of Vermont Tax Department for 34 years, retiring in 1984 as the Assistant Chief of Sales Tax. He was a devoted member of St. Augustine's Parish and served as an usher for many years. Harold was always quick to lend a helping hand and would always put others before himself. The sense of Yankee ingenuity and resourcefulness he developed at a young age lead to independence in repairing things at his home, for others, and crafting new items in his garage shop. He was fond of going to yard sales and had the philosophy that prices were negotiable. A collector of stamps and coins, he was always quick to show off his collections. Every summer Harold looked forward to planting and tending his vegetable garden. He was a very proud and hard-working man, a devoted Catholic, and an example of how to live life to its fullest for everyone who knew him. Shortly before he passed, Harold said the most important thing in life to him was his family. Beyond his immediate family, Harold also served as a father figure to many neighborhood friends of his children. Known affectionately as Pep, the family patriarch will be greatly missed. He was a kind and gentle soul. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories to share from an immensely full American life. Harold was predeceased by his mother Clara Mathieu Adams, father Harold W, Adams Sr, brothers Wayne Adams and Richard Adams, sisters June Pitonyak and Lorraine Hickey, as well as many aunts, uncles, and family members he helped care for over the years. He is survived by his wife Lorraine Paquet Adams of Montpelier, children Bill Adams of Oroville, California, Bruce Adams of Berlin, Vermont and wife Ellen, Gregg Batchelder Adams of Denver, Colorado and wife Laurie, Donna Wells of Barre, Vermont and husband Philip Petty, and Denise Blatchford of Londonderry, New Hampshire and husband Earle. Grandchildren include Heather Adams, Michelle Carden, Bruce Adams Jr., Mija Ryer, Rochelle Whitehouse, Micaiah Adams, Erik Wells, Kyle Wells, Lydia Bright, Nora Petty, Sarah Blatchford and Cailey Blatchford. Great-grandchildren include Cameron Carden, Colby Carden, Azailea Morales, Irissa Morales, Ian Jurgen , Isaac Jurgen, Nivek Ryer, and Kennedy Coleman, Ryan Bright and Warren Bright. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 13 at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Guare and Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier. A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, July 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Augustine's Church in Montpelier with a Christian burial to follow at Saint Sylvester's Cemetery in Barre Town. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harold's memory can be made to St. Augustine's Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be sent to www.guareandsons.com