Peabody - John Preston Adams, 93, of Peabody passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at Brudnick Rehabilitation Center in Peabody after a short illness.

John was born in Frankfort, KY on October 16, 1932, the son of the late Hampton Adams and Adelaide (Brettschneider) Adams. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and earned Masters' degrees from Andover Newton Theological School (MA) and Simmons College (MLS).

John had a distinguished career as a Librarian. He worked as a young man at Brandeis University and Middlesex Community College. He was the Director of the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers and the Parlin and Shute Libraries in Everett. He ended his career as the Director of the Salem Athenaeum. He served as an early President of the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE).

John was a wonderful singer. He was a member of the choir and a cantor at St. John the Baptist Church in Peabody for many years. He was an early member of the Salem State Community Chorus and was very proud of being the oldest member. He continued singing into his late eighties and could be heard practicing at home.

John was an avid reader and a life-long learner. He was interested in history, philosophy and theology. He led a Bible Study group at St. John the Baptist Church for many years.

John was a wonderful conversationalist. He could talk to anyone about anything. He always asked the best questions and truly listened to the answers. He also had an amazing memory and ability to recall details of conversations from earlier years. He was a long-time member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John the Baptist Church.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Lorraine (Jackson) Adams; his nieces and nephews, Lynne, Susan and Paul Adams, Jean Johnson, John Graham, Jason Bosworth, Meghan Gehan, Justin and Ryan Cecil and Tara Opel; several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephew; his sisters-in-law Maureen Bosworth and Nancy Cecil; his special friends the Pacheco and Valentin families. John was predeceased by his brother Harry Adams and his sister, Ruth Kitchen.

Visiting hours will be held at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral mass will be at St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody, on Friday, July 31 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Lynn. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in John's memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. John the Baptist Church, 17 Chestnut Street, Peabody, MA 01960.