Donald R. Adair
ROCHESTER – Age 76, passed away April 6, 2020 as a result of hospital-acquired COVID-19. Predeceased by his parents, Robert and Esca (Naas) Adair, Don is survived by four children, Emily Adair (spouse Rob Hanssen), Tom Adair, Abby (Josh) Reinhard, and Carrie (Albert) Boulus; five grandchildren; siblings Elaine McClure, Randy (Lila) Adair, Jeanne (Ken) Lill, and Robin Adair (Jason Dunn); and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graduate of East High School, Harvard University, and Cornell Law School, Don joined the Rochester firm of Nixon Hargrave Devans & Doyle and later formed Adair Law Firm. Don served on the boards of the Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross and Rochester Red Wings Baseball, among other community service endeavors. With a big heart and extraordinary work ethic, Don gave selflessly to others. He truly loved his family and was deeply proud of his children.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Red Cross or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Comments
34 responses to “Adair, Donald R.”
Don was a delightful partner to me in the old years at Nixon Hargrave. So sorry that he fell victim to this awful disease. My condolences to his large and loving family.
I remember Don fondly. I, too, was a partner at Nixon in the good old days.
i knew Don in business. Always a gentleman and incredibly intelligent. I always highly valued his insights and counsel. RIP Don.
Adair Law provided the pro bono legal support to establish the Rochester XC Ski Foundation as a 501C3 back in 2005. Rochester skiers will be forever grateful to Don.
I am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. As a young lawyer, I had the opportunity to work closely with Don at the Nixon Hargrave law firm. I learned a lot from Don, particularly about not taking one’s self too seriously. My deepest condolences to the Adair family and my gratitude for the moving account of his final days.
I, like Bill Moehle, knew Don when I was a young lawyer just starting out at Nixon Hargrave in the “old days”. He was a wonderful role model, mentor and very good lawyer. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will be remembered fondly by so many in the legal community.
I worked with Don and Max Stoner after Don left NHD&D. I have fond memories of our association and his enthusiasm for the law. He was a very good corporate attorney. He spoke highly of his children. My deepest sympathies.
Sincere condolences to the entire Adair family. My mother always shared wonderful stories about the family and how kind they were to her. May the happy memories bring you comforr.
I knew Don from the class of ‘61 from east high school. I remember Don as being voted most popular and belonging to numerous
Functions during our senior year ,one was being in the SGA, the student government association and many more.
Sincere condolences to his loving family.
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s death. I remeber him well, both ar Nixon Hargrave and in his later career.
My sincere condolences to Don’s family for your loss. Don was a good friend starting at East High School, always upbeat, outgoing and seemingly happy. We also were housemates in Ithaca as we both went on to Cornell University. Often, there Don would call out “Fourth for Bridge” in the evening as he and the others would engage. Rest in Peace my friend.
So sorry about the loss to his family and extended family which includes Donna and Claude Burkett and Carol and Bob Vann, cousins.we are hoping to send cards to you as well. Love and hugs to all. Carol
In 1985, I was a young dentist just starting out, and Don represented me in an attempt to purchase a dental practice. The deal fell through, but I have always fondly remembered Don’s warmth, kindness, and generosity. My sincere condolences to the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him in my executive forum. I appreciated his wisdom as well as his kind and gentle way. I hope warm memories will carry you though these times.
Don was a wonderful man. He had a positive impact on everyone he met. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
I also knew Don from Nixon initially and enjoyed getting to know him as both a client, a colleague and a friend over time. His gentle demeanor was always appreciated although his words were often powerful. My condolences to his family; he will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr Adair was so kind to me. He helped so many people. He even stayed late until 8 talking to me in his office. I remember his warm smile, soft voice, and kindness. Mr Adair will be missed by so many people.
I was a partner of Don at the Nixon, Hargrave law firm and worked with Don from time to time. One of my memories was that Don wanted to put together a barbershop quartet to sing at his “going away” party. Bob Witmer and I and another Nixon lawyer whom I cannot now remember joined Don and sang a couple of old barbershop standards. Don touched many lives. The account of his final days brought home the tragedy of this disease, but more importantly the love his children have for him and his love for them. I extend my deepest condolences to the family.
Prayers to Robin and Jeanne and the entire Adair Family.
So sorry for your loss
I grew up with Don..and I remember him from Colebourne rd..Have great memories of him. I’m so sorry and send my deepest sympathy to his family.
Don was on our Board of Directors and was our Corporate Counsel for the 23 years I served as CFO. It was my pleasure to have worked with him and received his guidance on many issues related to the company. He was always a gentleman and his advise was excellent. I was also honored that we considered each other friends.
I grew up with Don and Randy, living a few doors away from his family on Colebourne Rd. I remember playing touch football in the street with Don,
and his leadership and very positive approach to the games. Even back then, I do remember Don as one of the most intelligent people that I knew.
My sincere condolences to his entire family. Rest in peace, Don.
I new Don as a lawyer and as the board chair a professional at both . Condolences To his friends and family
On behalf of the American Red Cross, I offer our sincere condolences to the entire Adair family. Mr. Adair served as a Red Cross Board member for many years. He was a former Board Chairman and Lifetime Honorary Member.
His leadership with the organization was greatly valued.
Don was a college classmate and associate in college UN and international activities. BrilliAnt, competent, and fun.
Danny J. Boggs. HArvard ‘65
About ten years ago Don gave me a great reference during a job search. I had the opportunity to speak with him on numerous occasions. In one instance he accidentally spilled hot coffee on my lap. We always laughed about that. He was a true gentlemen. My condolences to the family.
My deepest condolences to Don’s siblings. Over the past year I witnessed first hand the wonderful support Don received from them, especially his sisters. His sisters visited him on a regular basis, bringing him to their home for holidays and Sunday dinners. In all honesty, did not know Don had children until I saw his daughter on TV which was a beautiful tribute to her father. Don resided at the same apartment building . Don enjoyed Thousand Island dressing, ketchup was a favorite for Don. Don’s ultimate favorite was ice cream. Don, rest In peace. …
I have very fond memories of Don. As recent law school graduates, we lived together for a short time in 1969-70, in a young lawyer bachelor pad, at 2 Argyle St. We had a lot of fun together until we all moved on and left, most of us to get married. Don was a very good guy. My sincere condolences to the family.
I was a year behind Don at East High, and became better acquainted when we were both at Harvard. He helped me get my first summer job at Monroe Forgings. I had not been in touch with him for more than 50 years, but he is the first person struck down by Covid-19 known to me personally. My heart goes out to all his family and friends.
Were were quite saddened by your father’s death. The Corona virus really hit home after reading Abby’s Chronicle of her father’s last few days and breaths of his life. He was a dear neighbor years ago, a longtime friend and will be in our hearts forever.. Please accept our condolences on the death of your father who was truly a great person.
I recall Don very fondly as a young lawyer at Nixon Hargrave who assisted me on an important litigation matter in which he provided knowledge in an area of the law in which I was sadly uninformed. Because of Don we won the case. My sincere sympathy to his family on his premature and tragic passing. Michael Tomaino
My prayers for Don’s children. As a student at Nazareth College in the 80s, I babysat for Tom, Abby and Carrie many weekends. May your father Rest In Peace and God give you comfort.
Mr. Adair hired me to work for two of the partners in his firm. He was a kind, sweet, very intelligent man. He made a huge impact in my life. I’m sorry to hear he was stricken with this deadly virus. Rest in peace!
Wonderful memories of my classmate, Don, from East High School Class of 1961- –
Don was such an outstanding student but also friendly to all and engaged in so many class activities. Whenever our paths would cross over the years, that same twinkle in his eyes and warmth of spirit was always present. May the Adair family be consoled by God’s comfort and their treasured memories of time spent with Don.