Schenectady - Gerhard K. "Gil" Adam, of Niskayuna, who as a young boy fled Nazi Germany with his family before serving in the U.S. Air Force and practicing law for more than five decades, died December 29, 2023 after a long illness. He was 94.   

After serving in the Air Force as a noncommissioned officer, Adam earned a Bachelor of Science degree from City University of New York (CUNY) and later a law degree at night from Brooklyn Law School. He became a member of the New York State Bar in 1960, and a registered Patent Attorney in 1964.   

He worked as a patent attorney for several large companies, including Corning Glass Works in Corning, NY, and General Electric in Schenectady. He also worked briefly as Chief Clerk of the Schenectady County Surrogate’s Court before establishing his private practice in the city.   

Gerhard Kurt Adam was born in Berlin in 1929. Both his parents were medical doctors whose work and life were attacked by Hitler’s repression. Faced with rising restrictions on all aspects of public and private life, his parents fled to New York City with their two sons in 1936.   

Gil was a bicycling and crossword enthusiast, amateur bass fishing master and an avid chess player. He volunteered to teach chess to elementary and secondary students in Corning, Schenectady, and Niskayuna. He joked that he even taught his boxer, Maxie, to play chess because the dog enjoyed putting his paws and nose on the board.    

When asked what he was most proud of in his life, Gil replied his two children, David and Stephen, and their families.   

Mr. Adam was a longtime member of Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady and was active for many years in the synagogue Brotherhood.  

Mr. Adam is survived by his longtime partner Joanne Westervelt of Schenectady; his son David L. Adam (Lisa), son Stephen M. Adam (Samantha), and grandchildren Allyson, Rebecca, and Rachel Adam.  He was preceded in death by older brother Ralph Adam.  

Burial will be in the family plot at New Montefiore Cemetery on Long Island. A Celebration of Life memorial is planned for early Springtime.