Luke Wagner Adams, former president of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and an active Sunnyside resident for over 40 years, passed away Monday night. He was 76.
Adams was the first to receive the Sunnysider of the Year award, which was later named after him. He was known for his community work with the Sunnyside Woodside Lions Club and the nonprofit group Sunnyside Artists Inc.
He owned a travel agency on 43rd Street for many years and also kept a large collection of photographs that showcased Sunnyside and its history.
“Luke Adams was a Sunnyside icon who dedicated his life to making his neighborhood a better place, and he will be deeply missed,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris said. “May his memory be eternal.”
In lieu of flowers, Sunnyside Artists Inc. is asking for donations to an online fundraising campaign that will fund “The Luke Adams Art Prize,” which will be granted annually to local artists. The goal of the campaign is $5,000.
Donations can be made at https://www.youcaring.com/laap or mailed to Sunnyside Artists, Inc. C/O “The Luke Adams Art Prize” 45-06 Queens Blvd. #166, Sunnyside, NY 11104.
Visitation at the Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, located at 43-07 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside, is scheduled for Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. A mass will be given at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Raphael’s Roman Catholic Church, located at 35-20 Greenpoint Ave. in Long Island City. Adams will be buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens.
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