Construction Worker Loved ​“Walking The Beam”

Robert Francis Adrian (Poppy), 44, a loving father, brother and devoted friend to many, entered into eternal life on Monday, September 13, 2010 after a tragic work-related accident at New Haven’s Science Park.

Robert was born on November 16, 1965 to the late Raymond John and Anna Irene Adrian in Kingston, N.Y. He was a lifelong resident of Coxsackie, N.Y. Robert was a 1984 graduate of Coxsackie-Athens School. His love for the trade of iron workers began at the age of 16 when he began working with his father for the summers. After high school, Robert entered into the trade full-time following his father’s footsteps and has been an employee of Fast Trek Steel of Coxsackie for many years. He was a member of Ironworkers Local 12. He also worked with Locals-60,417,440 of NY and 15 ​‚424 in Conn. His passion was ​“walking the beam” and working hard was his belief. Whether in the field or at his home, Robert was always working on a project. He was not only skilled in the trade, but could fix and make just about anything. His talents were endless, among them, being an artist. Robert had an incredible talent in drawing freehand. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and swimming as well as his down time next to his woodstove, grilling, watching late night movies and his ​“sexy” tractor. He will be greatly missed by his beloved daughters, Amanda and Amber and their mother and her husband April and Jospeh Murphy of Raleigh, N.C. He is survived by four brothers and three sisters; brothers, Raymond and his wife Sandy Adrian, Virginia Beach, Joseph Adrian, Coxsackie, Michael and his wife Nancy Adrian, Earlton, and Christopher Adrian, Coxsackie; sisters, Mary and her husband, Floyd Mattice, Julieanna and her husband Thomas Irwin, and Elizabeth and her husband Jeffrey Stiteler, all of Coxsackie. He is also survived by his nephews, Raymond, Raymond III, Nicholas, Steven, Andrew and Cody as well as nieces, Crystal, Brianna, Megan and Kayleigh, and great ‑nieces, Rebecca and Olivia. Robert leaves behind a long time companion, Patty Carress. Robert also leaves George and Kathy Colvin whom he honestly loved as family. He also held a deep love and devotion to a special friend Cheryl (Sally) who brought him much happiness and sincerity and truly made him smile. Anyone who knew Poppy could tell you that he was a man of love and peace and lived by Mom’s words, can’t we all just get along; and worked hard and showed pride in himself as taught by Dad. Each time he encountered someone he cared about; he gave them a hug and always left an event or conversation with ​“I Love You”. He will be greatly missed by all. Friends and family may pay respects on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. at Brady’s Funeral Home, Mansion Street, Coxsackie. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 20, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Brady’s followed by burial at St. Mary’s cemetery, Route 385, Coxsackie, N.Y.