HAVERHILL - Robert D. McAdams, 62, of Bedford, MA, formerly of Haverhill, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at the Bedford Veterans Hospital after a sudden illness.

He was born in Ayer (Fort Devens), MA, on May 11, 1952. Loving son of the late William R. McAdams Sr., and Doris R. (Deveau) McAdams. Raised and educated in Haverhill, Robert lived in Bedford for most of his adult life, also residing in Louisiana, Texas, France, and New York. He played Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football, avid wrestler, and earned a black belt in karate before graduating from Haverhill High School in 1971.

Shortly after graduating, Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Robert served as a MP (Military Police), and was stationed at Plattsburg AFB in New York, Newfoundland and Vietnam. Robert was a lifetime member of the DAV. He enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, movies, and spending time with his family. He came from a strong military family background, his father, William, was a career military man in the U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force. His brothers, William and Tom, served in the U.S. Marines and both served combat tours in Vietnam, and brothers, James and John served in the U.S. Army.

Robert's surviving family members include his caring siblings, William R. McAdams and wife, Debra, of Salisbury, Tom McAdams and companion, Sharon Fontaine of Amesbury, Barbara McAdams of Haverhill, and John McAdams and wife, Marinel, of Beech Grove, IN; and several nieces and nephews, whom he enjoyed spending time with. He was the brother of the late James McAdams of Hingham.

Funeral services will be privately held with Catholic Funeral Rites being offered by Rev. John Delaney, Pastor of Sacred Hearts Parish, Bradford. Robert will be laid to rest with Air Force Funeral Honors in the McAdams Family Lot in St. James Cemetery, Haverhill.

Contributions may be made in Robert's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, 150 Cambridge Park Drive, Suite 202, Cambridge, MA 02140.

Arrangements by the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Bradford, (978) 374-0000. For online guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com