Richard (Dick) E. Adam Sr. has passed away. The Santa Maria, California produce pioneer founded several produce companies throughout his career, including Gold Coast Packing, Inc. and Coastal Valley Packing, Inc.
Richard attended the University of California at Berkeley and graduated with a degree in agricultural economics. He was a member of the United States Air Forces and served a tour in Korea before returning to the valley.
He and his brothers farmed from 1959 to 1994.
In 1994, Richard and three of his sons, Kerry, Peter and Dominic, founded Adam Bros. Farming, Inc. Soon after, they vertically integrated their operations and formed Adam Bros. Produce Sales, Inc. as their shipping company and Red Diamond Cooling, Inc. as their cooling company.
In his community, Richard served on the Santa Maria-Bonita Elementary School board, Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District Board, and numerous agricultural and civic organizations. According to a press release, he was instrumental in the adjudication of the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin.
Throughout his career, Richard acquired two patents and invented a number of improvements that have helped to make fieldwork easier today.
Richard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bernadette, sons Peter (Amy), Kerry (Diane), Richard Jr. (Carrick) and Dominic (Hala) and grandchildren Victoria, Joseph, Olivia, Mattie, Meryl, Audrey, Kate, Henry, Jacob, Austin and Luke.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
AndNowUKnow would like to offer its deepest condolences to Richard’s family and friends.
