Words of Remembrance for Brother Edward Adams, FSC
Written by Brother Colman Coogan, FSC
Looking back on Brother Edward’s life, one cannot but see its many unique aspects represented in personality, devotion to our ministry of the Word, and his ability to find unique settings in which to apply his mission as a Brother of the Christian Schools.
Gifted with a fine intelligence matched with a winsome personality, a broad smile, and a ready hand to meet whomsoever he met, Brother Ed’s self-confidence enabled him to explore a broad range of apostolic opportunities. Friendships formed in the past were sustained for decades.
While teaching at South Catholic, Pittsburgh, Brother Edward formed a close relationship with the McGregor family and their children. Later, transferred to St. John’s, Washington, they, too came to D.C., even securing positions at the school until retirement. Little by little, Brother spent increasing time with the family, preferring its warmth and support as opposed to the more structured community life of the Brothers in nearby communities. Nevertheless, he was always welcomed there by the Brothers for occasional visits. In retrospect, the support Ed felt in this family atmosphere was not unlike that which other Brothers experienced in the small community movement.
Brother had a special fondness for his sister Mary then a member of another religious community for many years but from which she withdrew to join her brother in what was then the McGregor home although from which all had departed or were living elsewhere after their parents’ death. As Mary grew older, Brother was able to secure care for her at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft, where he eventually joined her, and where he died.
While Brother Edward’s lifestyle was unique, it was no less genuine as seen in his deep commitment to the religious life and educationally-related ministries. That he was successful in this was testified by the many who participated in his funeral, coming from as far away as California and Pittsburgh.
May Brother Edward now rest peacefully in God’s hands, joyfully having arrived at that time of peace so earnestly sought during his lifetime.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Please Pray for the Repose of the Soul of Brother Edward Adams, FSC
1928 – 2021
Born Edward Joseph Adams in Philadelphia PA on 18 May 1928
Died at De La Salle Hall in Lincroft NJ on 15 October 2021
Entered the Ammendale MD Novitiate in 11 June 1946
Received the Religious Habit and Name Florian Alfred on 7 September 1946
Pronounced Perpetual Vows at Ocean Rest in Ocean City NJ on 28 August 1953
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Thursday, 21 October 2021
Private Visitation for Residents & Staff
De La Salle Hall
Saturday, 23 October 2021
Private Graveside Prayer Service & Interment for Family
De La Salle Cemetery
6001 Ammendale Road
Beltsville MD 20705
Memorial Mass – TBD
Brother Edward passed away after a brief respite in hospice care.
The District of Eastern North America remembers Brother Edward with memorial liturgies according to the tradition of the Institute. Through their prayers, communities and individuals entrust Brother Edward to God’s loving care.
May he rest in peace.
ASSIGNMENTS
1947–1951
Washington DC
De La Salle College and The Catholic University of America (scholasticate)
1951–1952
Eddington PA
Saint Francis Vocational School
1952–1960
Washington DC
Saint John’s College High School
1960–1961
Rome Italy
Generalate (2nd Novitiate)
1961–1967
Pittsburgh PA
South Hills Catholic High School
1967–1968
Philadelphia PA
West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys
1968–1969
Riverdale NY
Manhattan College (graduate studies)
1969–1972
Washington DC
Saint John’s College High School
1972–1974
Beltsville MD
Saint La Salle Auxiliary
1974–1976
Washington DC
Georgetown Preparatory School
1976–1977
Adamstown MD
Christian Brothers Retreat House
1977–1982
Washington DC
Saint Paul’s College – Evangelization Office
1982–1984
Washington DC
Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate
1984–1987
Washington DC
The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
1987–2001
Washington DC
Saint John’s College High School
2001–2021
Bethesda MD
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Parish
2021–2021
Lincroft NJ
De La Salle Hall (resident)
Brother Ed effused positivity and was a joy to know. Even though I struggled in his French class at St. John’s College High School (Class of 1960), I still appreciated and liked him. He was a friend to my parents and vice versa. Many years ago, he recruited me and some of my classmates to make telephone calls to alumni as he sought to establish an active alumni group and merit the contributions to St. John’s that may follow. He was pleasantly persuasive in this and other matters. I am glad that my wife got to meet him so that we might share memories of Brother Ed (one time referred to as “Frenchy.”). Now, he can be another person I can pray to. RIP, Brother Ed, as I am sure you will.
I first met Brother Ed Adams on a retreat at Malverne about ten years ago. I was his spiritual director for the retreat. Ed’s method of prayer was ‘centering prayer,’ a form of quiet meditation. When he arrived here at De La Salle Hall about 4 months ago, I was happy to discover that centering was still his preferred method. He fit right into the centering prayer group that I run here, and he was a regular, until we were locked down on Labor Day because of the presence of the delta variant. I hope he was able to continue to pray in this way alone, as he was in the hospital and quarantined in his room for a few weeks until his death. Ed seemed to be content being quiet. After being with Ed on retreat, I also met him on several senior brothers’ trips. From these meetings we ‘clicked’ when we met here. I wish I had been able to be with him more at the end, and hope that Ed is still praying with us and for us.
Brother Ed was a great friend, compassionate, humble, ever loving, ever supportive and understanding. I first met him in 1987 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Since then, he was part of my life. He was there when my mother died and I could not be at the funeral . He was there as I walked down the aisle and at my family’s milestone or his birthday given that he was always busy. My family and I are so blessed to meet him. We love you Brother Ed. Rest in peace.
I met Brother Ed at a community event in Bethesda, MD. The year was 2013. There were so many people around him happy and laughing, I had to walk over and meet this man. We began a friendship over tea and consented to be interviewed for a book I was writing at the time, Success Stories in Retirement.
He had a robust email Ministry and would correspond with hundreds of souls far and wide.
I asked him what his Motto is and he quickly replied:
“I’m in Love with Life and Everyone in it.”
I quote it today when telling his story.
God Bless You, Brother Ed.
I met Brother Ed in 2010. I am a retired special agent with US government. In 2009 I had a body surfing accident resulting in severe spinal cord injury, leaving me a quadriplegic, ventilator dependent. I will never forget meeting brother Ed. He walked through my front door and before he spoke a word it was as if he had a halo over his head! We immediately became close friend. I was a catholic, but not a strong practicing catholic. Brother Ed brought me much closer to Jesus and hopefully saving my soul. This is the highest praise anyone can ever receive. I am certain you are in heaven, and I love you and miss you brother Ed!
Hi Patrick: Brother Ed took me to your place one night. I trust you are doing OK. Yes he was inspirational. Peter
Brother Ed, one of the greatest men I have ever met. I bigger than life, true man of GOD. Helpful friendly, courteous, kind, cheerful and reverent. Would do anything for anybody, any time. Love you Brother Ed.
Tom Mitchell, SJC 1974.
Brother Ed was frequent visitor to Bethesda Y and always positive and said hello to EVERYONE in and around the pool. He was a steely but sweet man. Peter Lyster