Capt. Mark H. Adamshick Ret. USN
Fairport – November 25, 2018. Predeceased by his father, Andrew. Survived by his wife, Stephanie; children, Gabrielle, Henry and Joseph; mother, Joan Adamshick; sisters, Carol (John) Staats, Irene Sheridan, Mary (John) Karlowski; brothers, Andrew and Gregory (Deanna) Adamshick; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours, Sunday 1-4 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt location), 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass, Monday 9:00AM at Church of the Assumption. Fairport. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Wreaths Across America – United States Naval Academy
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/18225/Overview?relatedIds=14858
A graduate of the Naval Academy class of 1981, he was a commissioned officer in the United States Navy for thirty years.
Captain Adamshick was a Naval Flight Officer and Naval Test Pilot School graduate (Class 93) and accumulated over 3000 flight hours in over 25 different aircraft. A “TOPGUN” graduate, he had over 1,000 carrier arrested landings in fighter aircraft and has flown over 100 combat missions over Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia. He commanded the F-14D “Tomcat” squadron (VF-213) and an F-18E/F “Super Hornet” squadron (VFA-122) and was the operations officer of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-70. He served in a variety of high level staff positions including the Deputy Flag Assignment Officer to the Chief of Naval Personnel and the Head Aviation Warfare Policy Officer to the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon.
Captain Adamshick received numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons during his military career including 5 Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Air Medals; Navy Distinguished Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal; and 2 Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
From 2007 to 2011 he was the Director, Division of Leadership Education and Development and Senior Military Professor of Leadership and Ethics at the United States Naval Academy; and from 2011 to 2014 Captain Adamshick served as the Class of 1969 Chair for the Study of Officership at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. Captain Adamshick was an independent consultant, lecturer, researcher and author focused primarily on the moral dimensions of personnel who serve in public and private organizations. He was a committed public servant having served as a combat active duty Naval Officer and serving as a faculty member and administrator at 4 major universities for over 10 years.
Captain Adamshick earned a Masters degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and earned his Ph.D. in policy studies, specializing in management, finance and leadership, from the University of Maryland, School of Public Policy.
Comments
76 responses to “Adamshick, Capt. Mark H.”
Stephanie, Gabby, Henry, and Joe, your loving husband and father is looking over you! Mark was always respectful and respected; genuine and generous; brilliant and bright.. His legacy will live through you and I couldn’t be prouder of all of you! He was the love of my twin’s life and their love story is prevailing and unmatched. Dear Mark, my parents loved you as a son, and Dad called you Ace for a reason. We are all heartbroken and will miss you always. Love, Stacey, Don, and Kate
May god be with you ,bless your family and loved ones you left behind Thank you for service
Captain
We were so sorry to hear about Mark. Our deepest condolences to the entire Adamshick / Puente families. May the memories you hold dear to you help you through this difficult time. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. Love Debbie, Jeff & Zach Lipsitz
Godspeed Shaker and condolences to all of his family. Shaker was a talented and dedicated naval officer and aviator, a great friend, and an officer and gentleman of the nicest kind. We should all take comfort in knowing this great man now rests comfortably in God’s loving arms. Sincerely, Fozzie
I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to all. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Steph and family. I am so sorry and shocked to hear this. Shaker was on of my favorites and I was so privileged to serve with him for two tours. My sincere condolences to you and the family.
I feel blessed to have had Mark as part of our family. He was incredibly generous with his time with Mom and I will never forget that. I feel like Mark is with his Dad and my Dad and they are all blessed to have each other. My deepest sympathy to all of the Adamshicks. Thank you for sharing Mark with us.
With much love,
Lindy and Billy
Stephanie and family,
Craze and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Shaker was a GREAT American. We hope that your memories will be able to comfort you in your time of sorrow. Prayers for you, and your family.
So very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. From the first time I met him, he made me feel like part of the family. Godspeed & rest in deserved peace, Ace! Love, the Tomcanin family
My deepest condolences to you and your family, I served with him in VF-213 and was a great commanding officer who exemplified leadership. Fair winds and following seas.
My sincere condolences to the Adamschick family, i am so sorry for your loss Skipper Adamschick was one of the best I have had the privilege to serve under, Fair winds and following seas Sir.
From a former Colonia neighbor. Prayers to your family and may you RIP, Captain!
Rip Sir from one of your old VF-74 PR’s
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
CAPT Mark Adamshick was one of the finest Naval Officers that I’ve ever had the pleasure of working for and with. He made VF-213 an amazing squadron to be a part of because he genuinely cared for and respected each and every Sailor and Officer under his command. Godspeed, Skipper!
A Classmate, Shipmate and friend. No finer Naval Officer, Leader and Warrior. Will be truly missed and the brothers have already pledged toasts in his honor. Family all, Son/Father/Husband is in such a great place smiling down on all of you. Peace be with you…Otter
Sincerest condolences at Shakers passing. Steph, I pray for comfort and understanding. There is a special place in heaven for him. Although I hadn’t talked with Shaker in a few years, I have the fondest memories of our squadron time and count it a privilege to have served with Shaker.
To the entire Adamshick family. Please accept my heart felt condolences regarding Mark’s passing. We were classmates in both Junior and Senior High school and I have many great memories of playing football with him in the Colonia Football league and at Colonia High School. He was a great friend and teammate back in the day and I can see from his resume he served our country with honor, courage and distinction. Rest in peace Mark and thank you for your service.
My heart felt condolences to the entire Adamschik family on Mark’s passing. A lot of great memories back in the day in Colonia. Thank you for your service and bravery. Rest in peace my friend you left us way to soon.
Truly sad news. I served with Skipper Adamshick in VF-213 Blacklions. He was a dynamic leader and inspiration to both the officers and enlisted personnel. Expressing our deepest condolences to the Family and Friends of Mark. CAPT Nate Schneider, CNATT.
Shaker – No better man, no finer American. My prayers to all of the family. The world has lost a bright light.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Captain. You are relieved, we have the watch. VF-74. My prayers and blessing to the family and friends. He was a great man.
My sincere condolences to all of Marks family, he was a dear and great friend of over 40 years. I will forever remember studying in the library for three years with Mark at my side at the Naval Academy. He was not only a man I called my brother, but a patriot, scholar, and a philosopher who dedicated the best years of his life in the highest calling—sharing knowledge and wisdom on the values and virtues of morals, ethics, and character of histories great leaders. Our country owes a great debt to Mark who sacrificed everything he held most dear for a higher calling. I am certain he is now at peace with his maker having completed his final flight. Rest peacefully my dear friend we miss you, we honor you, and we love you.
My deepest condolences to the family. I knew Mr. Adamshick on my first tour in the Navy with VF-74. Rest Well shipmate we have the watch.
Capt., Sir Rest your oars now. For we have the watch, as you now can rest in heavens graciousness. To your family I wish peace,condolences, and prayers. I knew this Gentleman from VF-74. Always a quiet demeanor and always was a true gentleman and an officer.
Stephanie, Gabby, Henry, and Joe, I cannot tell you how much Shaker will be missed by all of us who worked and flew with him. When we were all young junior officers, I remember how he lit up a room when he entered. He had the biggest heart, but when I think of our times together, and what has always stayed with me, is that we were always laughing. Most of all though, and what is most important is how terribly much he loved his wife and family. If Janet, Ally and I can do anything for you, please let us know — and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From a former Colonia and Navy brother. My heart goes out to the Adamshick family on Mark’s passing. Mark will always be remembered as an incredibly talented, razor sharp professional who was admired by all. We are sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in our prayers at this time.
Steph, Gabby, Henry and Joe, So grateful to be part of your family. Mark is gone way too soon but I will always cherish the good times we shared. He was so much more than a uncle to my girls and brother in law to Ann and I. He always knew how to make us laugh. He was not only loyal to his country but his family as well. Thank you for making our lives better in so many ways. You will surely be missed by many. God bless and Rest In Peace ??
Steph, Gabby, Henry and Joe, So grateful to be part of your family. Mark is gone way too soon but I will always cherish the good times we all shared. He was so much more than a uncle to my girls and brother in law to Ann and I. He always knew how to make us laugh. He was so loyal not only to his country but his family as well. Thank you for making our lives better in so many ways. You will surely be missed by many. God bless and Rest In Peace ??
I had the privilege of serving with him in VF-74. He was a fine officer and a true gentleman. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. We have the watch.
Stephanie, we are so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. A difficult chapter ahead for you and your family. May the love of family and friends help during this difficult time. Cherish all the wonderful memories they will keep you strong.
Love and God Bless,
Trish and Ron
Rest In Peace Captain, we have the watch. I had the privilege of serving with Captain Adamshick when we were VF-74 Be-Devilers.
To the Adamshick Family, deepest condolences. Through this terribly sad news, it was time to reflect on your amazing family, and the countless great times growing up in our old neighborhood in Colonia. To Gregory and Deanna, words cannot express the deep sorrow so many are sharing with you right now. Thank you Mark, for always being a great friend, neighbor, teammate and leader. Most of all, thank you for your incredible service “Captain”. Rest in Peace
I had the privilage and honor to be a Be-Deviler with Captain Adamshick. Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Our sincere condolences to the Adamshick family. It was my good fortune to serve with a great gentleman, statesman and shipmate. The world is a better place because Shaker was here. He will be missed by all.
My condolences to the Adamshick family. I proudly served with him in VF- 74. Great man and lesder
I knew Captain Adamshick when he was pursuing his PhD at the University of Maryland and when he graduated, had him present to many of our executive programs on ethics and leadership. He was such a wonderful presenter – full of personal insights and inspiration. The audience easily gave him the respect he so rightfully deserved and always took away something tangible they could do differently in their personal and professional lives. I so admired his sincerity, vulnerability, and willingness to ask the hard questions in front of the room. He was also such a lovely man – personable and caring. I am so sorry for your profound loss and wish you all comfort.
May God give you all healing grace in this difficult time. Shaker was a great American and it was a pleasure to serve with him in VF-74.
Steph, Gabby, Henry and Joe, So grateful to be part of your family. Mark is gone way too soon but I will always cherish the good times we all shared. He was so much more than a uncle to my girls and brother in law to Ann and I. He always knew how to make us laugh. He was so loyal not only to his country but his family as well. Thank you for making our lives better in so many ways. He will surely be missed by many. God bless and Rest In Peace ??
My deepest condolences to the family. Shaker was my USNA “firstie” (30th Co) a long time ago, and then later in our careers we shared a passion around ethical leadership development. My list of genuine heroes and role models is short…and he’s at the top of it. Praying for peace and comfort to surround his family.
My Condolences to the Adamshick family for your loss.
Fair Winds & Following Seas Captain Adamshick. It was an honor & privilege to serve with you in VF-74.
Wishing a fond farewell to my Bold BeDeviler squadronmate and all around great American. Shaker was truly one of the good ones and will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. Your husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and cousin was my classmate at USNA, and he was always SO KIND and encouraging, during a time when many men were not (early years of women there). It was men like Mark who gave me the courage to fight another day when I felt like giving up. I saw Mark now and then over the years, and he was always the same – abundantly cheerful and encouraging. Oh how you must miss him. I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
The following is from a beautiful book called “Every Moment Holy” by Douglas Kaine McKelvey: “You are merciful and loving, gentle and compassionate, caring tenderly for all that you have made. We know that the final working of your redemption will be far-reaching, encompassing all things in heaven and on earth, so that no good thing will be lost forever, so that even our sorrow at the loss of this beloved man will somehow, someday, be met and filled, and, in joy, made forever complete. Comfort us in the meantime, O Lord, for the ache of these days is real. Amen.”
Hard to find a better husband, father, classmate, shipmate than Shaker. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and squadron mates, a tough loss for all. May you all find comfort in the many great memories of a life we’ll lived. God bless.
Fair winds an following seas Captian Adamshick (Shaker) it was a pleasure serving with him in VF-74. Sorry for your lose I will keep you all in my prayers. We got the watch Sir you may stand down ⚓️⚓️
Shaker was one of a collection of terrific nuggets I had the privilege to lead when I was CO of VF 74 in the 80’s…terrific officer/RIO/shipmate. He and Brent Jett aced their TOPGUN Class, and Shaker was outstanding in the air, the Ready Room and with his men. I’m not surprised to know that Mark had such a great career and was such a splendid leader. God Bless him and his family. Frog Burgess.
I am one of Mark’s classmates from Colonia HS ’77. I did not know him as the valiant and decorated naval officer he was to become. He was just Mark – one of my closest friends in high school. But I think we all knew he was destined to do great things. We had practically every class together in senior year. We were competitive about our grades. I remember him as a very smart, driven, and funny guy, someone who was kind to everyone, and who was super clean and meticulous about his appearance 🙂 . I have a happy memory of visiting him his first Summer ’77 at the USNA. I thank him for his service to the USA. May God keep him, may God bless his wife and children, and may God bless us all, and help us live our lives to fullest potential each day.
So sorry to learn of Shakers passing. It was a schock! We served together many years ago on the staff of Figher Wing one. And I had not seen him since Mark since he took Command of VFA-122. We recently exchanged emails we but could not get together in person. A world class Naval Officer and person. He will be missed. My condolences to all his family
Skipper Adamshick was the best leader I came across in my Navy career. He was all things leaders should be and I pray for your family for your loss. He made such a difference in people’s lives and was willing to shoulder the pain to protect his people. May God bless your family!
So sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. My ’83 buddies and I always looked up to “Marco”. He was incredibly intelligent with a fabulous sense of humor. And of course an exemplary officer. He will certainly be missed. Mark, Stephanie and the entire family will be in our prayers.
We were so saddened to learn that Mark (Shaker) passed away. He lit up the room whenever he was present. Smart and compasionate he touched so many lives. Some of our favorite memories were with Shaker in VF 74. Know that the mark he left was a great one, and because of this he will never be gone. Our heart goes out to you and your family as you grieve your loss.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Our prayers are with the Adamshick family. RIP Captain Adamshick (Shaker). We had an awesome tour together in VF-74.
We are so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Shaker was a good man and a great naval officer. It was an absolute privilege to work with and for Shaker. I have nothing but great and fond memories of Shaker. I couldn’t have asked for a better and nicer first XO and then CO. Farewell, Shaker. We are praying for your family.
I feel so fortunate to have seen Mark recently He will be so missed in this world by his family and by all whose lives were touched by him. When I think of those we’ve lost, they were the ones who were the spice in our lives.
Mark was an instructor for the Maryland Leadership Institute, MLI, at the School of Public Policy at Maryland. His passion for teaching and his students came through every moment of the classroom. I am very privileged to have known him, if only a short while. I’m sorry for his loss to his family and friends. I wish them the best during this difficult time.
Mark was an instructor for the Maryland Leadership Institute, MLI, at the School of Public Policy at Maryland. His passion for teaching and his students came through every moment of the classroom. I am very privileged to have known him, if only a short while. I’m sorry for his loss to his family and friends. I wish them the best during this difficult time.
Mark and I were in every class from 7th through 9th grades at Colonia Junior High School. Many teachers arranged their class in alphabetical order, so often Mark sat in the first seat of row one and I in the second. He became one of my best buddies. Some memories that pop in my mind are: speaking hackneyed German with each other in Herr Magyar’s class; being managers for Mr. Leonard’s 9th grade basketball team; and Mark telling me about all the crank calls the Adamshick family would get because they had the easiest phone number in Colonia to remember (I still do 40+ years later). I also remember how much his decision to attend the USNA was influenced by his brother Andy’s decision to go there (Andy, I was always impressed how he looked up to you). My heart and thoughts go out to Mark’s family.
Shaker was a great American, an inspirational leader who has positively effected the lives of many. Our thoughts and prayers to Stephanie, Gabby, Henry, and Joe. Vince and Kathy
Stephanie,
We are so sorry for you loss. Mark was such a kind and generous mentor and friend to us. He will be greatly missed. We will have you and your family in our prayers.
Rebecca and I are deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. We were always appreciative of the hospitality you and Mark displayed when we visited. Our deepest condolences from the Gotto’s. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
CAPT Adamshick was my teacher as a plebe and as a youngter for Leadership class. He was also my mentor, and dare I say it, my friend. He molded me into the leader that I became: a caring, trusted, and strong officer with the potential for greatness. Finding someone with whom I connected so much made my years at the Naval Academy so much better. His words, even now, I can hear in my head. God truly broke the mold when he made Mark Adamshick. Our sincere and deepest condolences from the Gattis. Farewell Sir. I should have called you when I had the chance.
Shaker was one of the best COs I ever had. He was a great leader, mentor, and advisor who led by example. He will be remembered as a true officer and gentleman. RIP Shaker! – Diego
Mark was a true leader and a great person. His compassionate wisdom and Stephanie’s kindness helped make our time in VF-213 a positive and memorable experience. We have missed them a great deal and feel stunned and heartbroken at the world’s loss of this truly wonderful person. Our hearts are full of grief for the family and our thoughts are with you always. – Kim Garcia
The entire Gatti family is so sorry for your loss. Mark was a true inspiration for my daughter during her time at USNA. You’re family is in our prayers.
A great American and leader – Shaker’s inspirational impact and legacy will live on in the US Navy for generations. God Bless the Adamshick family…fair winds and following seas, sir.
Scott and I are heartbroken at the passing of Mark. Our love and prayers are with Steph and their families. May his memory be a blessing. Godspeed.
My deepest condolences to the family. Skipper Adamshick was a great leader.
Mark was one of my best friends from our days at CHS. I practically lived at the Adamshick house through those years. Who can forget the faithful dog Juneau (Lew!) and that unforgettable phone number (381-2345)…..many a prank call on that line! Our deepest sympathies from the entire Welch family. May he rest in piece
My deepest condolences for your loss. It was my sincere pleasure to flyfor Shaker in VFA-122, and while he was a great leader himself, he cared even more about nurturing leadership in his junior officers – he had vision for the Navy far beyond his immediate command. A great patriot, aviator, and person.
I am truly saddened by Capt. Adamshick’s passing and offer my sincere condolences. He was truly one of the finest officers and men that I have ever known. His honesty, fairness and love of learning and education are traits I try to emulate every day. God bless your family.
Sincerest Condolences to all of Skipper’s Family and Friends. This was unexpected and sad news for me. Had the pleasure of serving under this fine Gentleman in VFA-122. “Fair Winds and Following Seas” Skipper. You lived an admirable life and led by the finest example.
My deepest sympathy to all of Mark’s family for his passing. We were childhood friends and I have fond memories from School 21 through CHS class of 77. Mark had high aspirations and I am in awe of his accomplishments. A kind, intelligent man of honor, distinction and courage. I thank him for his service. My prayers are with you for comfort, courage and strength at this time as you celebrate his life – a life so well lived but cut too short.
This is so tough to hear. Shaker was a JOs leader. He’s the kind of leader you would happily follow anywhere, no matter the risk. Thanks for everything Shaker. We know you are watching all of our flying stunts now.
I had the privilege and honor to be in VF-74 (’91-’92) with Captain Adamshick. Fair Winds and Following Seas,
“May God give you all healing grace in this difficult time.”
Mark and I were classmates and worked together on the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference (NAFAC). Mark was the Director and I was his Deputy. He was an incredible, positive, encouraging leader who got things done. We stayed in touch after graduation and I bragged to my children that one of my friends had completed over 1,000 carrier landings and was a Top Gun. Mark’s bright, shining light will be missed, but he has left a legacy of leaders who learned from his stellar example. Well done, my friend.
To a fellow Bedeviler with a tremendous zest for life – will miss you, Shaker. Python