May 15, 1938 – December 22, 2025
It is with broken hearts that the family of John Adey announce his passing on December 22, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on May 15, 1938, John was the son of the late John and Mary (Kent) Adey.
John and Mary began their family in Newfoundland and Labrador and later settled in New Brunswick, where they raised their children and watched them grow and start families of their own. In 1965, they moved to Saint John, New Brunswick, where John worked on the construction of the Harbour Bridge, affectionately known by his children as “Daddy’s bridge.” A highly respected surveyor, John worked with companies including Rocca, Irving, and Meridian, and was sought after even after retirement for his precision and strong work ethic.
John enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, time spent in his garage, a good lobster, a cold beer, and cheering on his beloved “Chicargo” Blackhawks; however, above all, he cherished his family. He loved his children dearly and created many memories through camping trips, skating on various lakes, and frequent visits to Nova Scotia to spend time with his sister and her family. A devoted husband, father, and proud Poppy, time spent with John always ended with his gentle reminders to “be careful” and “loves ya.”
Always the picture taker and video maker with his big old camera VCR combo capturing memories of his family to last a lifetime. We will miss his face lighting up with that beautiful smile when we walked in the room, watching him eat dessert first and licking the plate clean.
He married the love of his life, Mary (Picco) Adey, in 1963, and together they shared nearly 63 years of marriage. John is survived by his loving wife Mary; daughters, Dawn-Marie Adey, Margie (Darrell) Johnson, and Judith (Winston) Smith; daughter-in-law Debbie Adey; sister, Maria Prim; grandchildren, Samantha, Steven, Lauren, Rachel, and Christopher; great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Caleb, Connor, and Tessa; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sons, John, infant son, Mark; granddaughter, Alexis Smith; and siblings, Margaret, Maureen, Rita, Helen, and Martin.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff of Turnbull Nursing Home, as well as the nurses and staff of the 5th Floor at St. Joseph’s Hospital, for their compassionate care and support.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). A Funeral Liturgy will be held from the Brenan’s Chapel on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 12:00-2:00 PM. Donations in memory of John may be made to the IWK, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to a charity of donor’s choice.
