Joseph W. Adlam

Portland – Joseph W. Adlam, Jr., 66, a resident of Belgrade Lakes, passed away Monday, November 13th at Maine Medical Center in Portland, with his beloved wife Rhonda, and his pastor Reverend Joseph Chamberland at his side, following a chronic heart condition he had endured for the past 2 years. He was born January 4, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Joseph W. Adlam, Sr. and Betty Light Adlam. His journey began in Glen Burnie, MD, where he lived with his parents and younger sister, Barbara. In his life, Joe will be remembered as that one who everybody could count on, for being a teacher, and as the most unselfish person. For Joe, kids always came first. He was one who would always lift-up another. Joe is known for his wacky sense of humor, right beside his quiet, modest, humility. While being compassionate, caring and loyal, Joe was a leader among leaders. In his youth, Joe was active in the Glen Burnie United Methodist Church choir, youth groups and Boy Scouts. As a scout he earned the “God and Country Award” and “Order of the Arrow”. He was an accomplished trumpet player, having played since he was in the 3rd grade. He graduated from Glen Burnie High School, earning Varsity Letters in football and music and was a member of the County Championship Football Team. He graduated with a Bachelor Degree from University of Maryland at College Park. He coached a variety of sports including track, basketball, lacrosse and softball. He loved tennis and played competitively in senior leagues. Joe taught the sport to people of many ages. Joe was proud to have won the Open County Championship in Men’s singles at the grand old age of 40! In addition, he led multiple tennis tournaments for County, Department of Defense and the National Security Agency. On August 16, 1997 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Arnold, Maryland, he married Rhonda Barnes of Maine, they made their home in Maryland. They also had a second home in Maine, which they moved to after Joe’s retirement. Following college, Joe served on the staff of U.S. Senator J. Glen Beall, Jr. in Washington, D.C. He was honored to have served 30 years at the National Security Agency; graduating initially from the Special Agents class. Assignments included investigations, adjudications, counterintelligence awareness, physical security, international security and teacher of operations groups as their Special Agent. Retiring as Supervisory Special Agent (SSA). His loves were God, his family, church and community. Here in Belgrade, Joe served as Vice-President of Parks and Recreation, as an extension of his love for youth. He worked to develop a recently added playground. He would often be seen running the shop at The 1830 House, making sure Rhonda had plenty of time for art creations and pies. He was predeceased by parents; Joseph W. Adlam, Sr. and Betty Light Adlam. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Rhonda Barnes Adlam of Belgrade Lakes. Daughters; Kristin White and husband Craig, Kelly Adlam Reynolds and husband Ryan. Step children; Miranda Betts and Joshua Betts and his wife Casey. Grandchildren include; Leila, Rosalee, Cutler, Elizabeth Grace (EG), Anna Bryce, Evelyn and Zoey. Niece; Heather Lear and husband Casey. Sister; Barbara (Candi) Heinzman and husband Reverend William Heinzman. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com Adlam – Joseph W. Adlam, Jr., 66, of Belgrade Lakes, Maine, passed away Monday, November 13, 2017 in Portland, Maine. Funeral service will be 10 AM, Saturday, November 18th at Union Church of Belgrade Lakes a United Methodist Church, 67 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes, Maine. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery, Route 135, Cemetery Road, Belgrade, Maine. Arrangements by FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Gifts in Joe’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association @ “donatenow.heart.org” or American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049