BOXFORD - Mr. Mark Allen "Roo" Adams Jr. 27, of Boxford, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, September 18, 2018 after suffering a medical incident. Born in Boston, he was the son of Mark Sr. and Heather N. Adams. He attended Shore Country Day School, graduating with the class of 2006 and continued his education at Malden Catholic High School, graduating as a member of the class of 2010. He furthered his education at Providence College and graduated with a degree in Business Economics, as a member of the class of 2015. An exceptionally gifted and hardworking ice hockey player from a young age, Roo excelled on the ice as a star and member of the Malden Catholic Lancers helping lead the team to the Super 8 Finals as a Catholic Conference All Star in 2007-2008 season. His talents caught the eye of the National Hockey League and he was drafted while in high school in the 4th round, 134th pick overall by the Buffalo Sabres. He transitioned to the United States Hockey League, the top Junior Hockey League in the U.S., captaining the Chicago Steele. He matriculated to Providence College and joined the Friar Hockey Family in 2011. He starred for 4 seasons as a member of the Friars Hockey team and was a member of one of the most successful classes in Friar Hockey history culminating with winning the NCAA National Championship in 2015. Mark was an integral part of the team on and off the ice. He was a leader by his hard work on the ice and his dedication to his skill, craft and teammates off the ice. He complimented his physical talents with fierce competitiveness. He was the ultimate teammate and forged bonds that will last forever. Following his college success on the ice, he signed a contract with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings organization and retired shortly thereafter due to knee injuries. Roo was fortunate enough to play for many great coaches over the years, legendary skills coach Paul Vincent was a lifelong mentor and coach, Chris Serino, Jeff Serowik, Steve Poapst, Tim Army & finally played 4 seasons and won a National Championship for Nate Leaman. Roo applied his tenacity and work ethic athletically to his post hockey professional career. He moved to New York City and was associated with Glenview Capital as a Prop Analyst. He was then employed with Merrill Lynch's Private Equity Group in Boston and currently was the Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Sales and Business Development with Cambridge Therapeutic Technologies in Teaneck, NJ and Boston. Mark lived life with a code unlike many other young men of today's world. His values were true and when they were tested he never wavered. His devotion to his beloved girlfriend Kathryn, his parents, his siblings and his teammates was unique and unwavering. He took tremendous pride in supporting his family and his Friar Hockey family and teammates. He was there when you needed him. His personality endeared him to many and once you were his friend there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for you. His loyalty to his friends, schools, teammates, Kathryn and family could never be questioned and will be his lasting hallmark.

A passion for perfection and uncommon intensity in all aspects of his life, Roo was successful in every avenue he walked. His life was full of love given and love received. It was his sparkling, spirited, fun-loving personality that seemed to define him and his devotion to family and friends will be what is remembered most. He loved to golf, walk his dogs Max and Sadie, laugh and dote upon Kathryn. He was a protector, a role model, a teammate, a man of principle, integrity and love. His spirit is everlasting.

Roo is survived by his loving parents, Mark Sr. and Heather Adams of Boxford, the love of his life and best friend, Kathryn M. Graf of Melrose, his siblings, Katharine "Katie" M. Adams, John "Jack" Adams and Matthew M. Adams all of Boxford, his maternal grandparents, the Rev. Dr. Emily Chandler of Gloucester and the Rev. Charles C. Navle of Marblehead, his paternal grandparents, Bonnie Asquith of Winter Haven, Fl and Harvard M. Adams Sr. of Levant, ME, his grandparent, Linda White, Kathryn's parents, Tom and Barbara Graf and family of Melrose, many loving, aunts, uncles cousins, his Providence College Friar Hockey Family and his beloved canine companion Max.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Celebrate Roo's life together at Turner Hill Country Club, 3 Manor House Lane, Ipswich, Monday, September 24th at 6 P.M. Interment in Beech Grove Cemetery, Rockport is private. Donations in Roo's memory can be made to the Roo Adams Forever Friar Fund, C/O Kyle Murphy, Providence College Athletic Dept., 1 Cunningham Sq., Providence R.I., 02918. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (rte. 62) Danvers. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com