June 23, 2022

Written by J. Richard Crozier 💚

Blake, Adam C. “ACB”-  beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and best friend to all of us entered eternal rest on June 20, 2022 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.  He is survived by his wife Traci J. (nee Tribula ) Blake, proud and loving father of Mackenzie J. and Mason E. Blake, devoted son of Peter (Pauline) and Margaret (nee Marriott) Blake; cherished brother Peter (Mariya), Kevin (Virginia) Blake, Marybeth (David) Marko, Eric, Julian and Jacqui Blake; dear son-in law of Dennis Tribula and Beverly (Donald) Gilden; also survived by nieces and nephews.

Adam dedicated his life to serving people.  At age 16, he began working at a famous chicken wing restaurant in the Getzville plaza, Elmo’s, as a dishwasher.  His 35 year career at Elmo’s consisted of every job imaginable from cook to manager.  Over his tenure at the establishment, which is a stop on the Buffalo Wing Trail,  Adam led the local watering hole to national prominence, which included a feature on the “The NFL Today” pregame show on the CBS network, when NFL “Defensive Player of the Year” and University of Buffalo standout,  Khalil Mack made his return to Buffalo in 2020.  In addition to Khalil Mack, professional and collegiate athletes from the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills and UB Bulls selected Elmo’s as their place because of Adam. 

While excitement filled the air at 2349 Millersport Hwy. in Getzville whenever a local celebrity would patronize Adam’s place,  what the manager for close to 30 years really loved, was taking care of all people.  Adam by all accounts was a people person, a common day “Sam Mallone” from Cheers.  What attracted his loyal customers to return week after week was his personality and unique ability to make everyone feel like you were the most important person to him at that very moment.  He greeted everyone by their first name, remembered the refreshment of their choice, and greeted them with the most genuine enthusiasm that would fill anyone’s heart.  Adam was there to smile with you, cry with you, always willing to listen, and always giving you the sense of belonging well beyond any experience at any other establishment. 

All different types of food and spirits were enjoyed at Elmo’s under the culinary creativity of Adam. However his most famous creations would be the cajun wings with a uniquely dry rub flavor and most recently, the double dip chicken wings that are fried, tossed in sauce, grilled, and doused again in a different sauce.  Over the course of Adam’s career, millions of chicken wings have been served to Elmo’s loyal customers.

While Elmo’s was his life’s career,  Adam’s passion in life was his family.  Adam married his high school sweetheart, Traci, who he started dating in his freshman year at Williamsville North.  They have been married for 25 years.  Adam’s children Mackenzie, 21 and Mason, 18 were his world.   Not a day went by that he was not sharing how proud he was of them and all they were accomplishing in life.  Adam loved being with family and was happiest at gatherings which occurred routinely on Sundays.  He lived his life to the fullest, insisting that his one off day a week was spent in the company of people he loved, enjoying great food, beverages, and many, many laughs.

Adam Charles Blake was taken from us way too soon.  However, Adam is in heaven now, with our Lord, at peace, looking down on all of us and ready to take care of all of his loyal patrons once again like he has for most of his life.  While he may not be serving us our favorite refreshment, we all know that Adam will continue to enrich our loves in other ways. 

The family will be present to receive friends Saturday, June 25th from 2:00 - 6:00 pm and  Sunday, June 26th from 2:00-6:00 pm at Beach-Tuyn Funeral Home, 5541 Main Street (at Cayuga Rd.) Williamsville.  Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Monday morning, June 27th at 9:30 am in St. Christopher Roman Catholic Church, 2660 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tonawanda, NY 14150. Please assemble at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to connect life (www.connectlife.org).

#OurACB 🍀