Xavier "Coach Pete" Peter Adams III

Xavier “Coach Pete” Peter Adams III, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He fought a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma cancer while undergoing weekly dialysis, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience throughout his journey.

He is survived by his devoted wife and high school sweetheart of 64 years, Rose Mary Cangelosi Adams; his daughters Vicki Adams McGregor (Scotty) and Katherine Adams Booth (Gino); his grandchildren Baileigh Fuxan (Damien Clark), Noah Fuxan (Faith White), Elijah Booth (Olivia Icamina), Hannah Booth, Evelyn Booth, and Camryn McGregor; his great-grandson Carson Jude Clark, and a score of loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, co-workers, and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Xavier Peter Adams, Jr. and Leah Ricks Adams, and his sister Diane Leah Adams.

Pete was born in New Orleans where he attended St. Francis of Assisi and graduated from Redemptorist High School, class of 1964. He served in the United States Army National Guard from 1965 to 1971, during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Ed Brauner American Legion Post 307, a member of the Jefferson City Buzzards Marching Club, a member of the Irish Channel Corner Marching Club, and a member of the Penguin Club.

Pete was a truly unique individual who left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He lived a strong and meaningful life, marked by dedication to his family and community. A devoted husband and father, he was also a respected pillar of the community, a trusted mentor, and a lifelong volunteer coach. Pete was always willing to listen, greeting everyone with a warm smile and consistently putting others before himself. His kindness, patience, and generous spirit touched countless lives and will be remembered for years to come.

Pete’s passion for sports began in high school and continued for more than thirty years, playing seven days a week in several softball leagues. He served as the Director of the Miller Lite Charity Softball Tournament for many years. The tournament featured over 125 teams and was played over two weekends at Lafreniere Park. He was an outstanding Tournament Director who helped raise significant funds for multiple charities. Pete also owned X-Tra Innings Tavern, located across from St. Patrick Playground, where he managed weekly cabbage ball and softball leagues. Through the tavern, he created a welcoming gathering place for the community and brought people together through his love of local sports.

For 53 years, “Coach Pete” volunteered as a coach with JPRD, mentoring generations of kids, teaching discipline, teamwork, and kindness. Coaching wasn’t just something he did, it was who he was. His passion for the game and for the young athletes he guided left an impact that will never be forgotten. Despite the physical toll of dialysis and ongoing medical treatments, he continued to give back to the community for as long as his body allowed. Recently, due to his declining health, he was heartbroken to step away from the role he loved so deeply.

Over the course of his career, Pete worked for Public Service, Dan Kelly Warehouse, Magnolia Distributors, Carruth Mortgage, and Carrier Distributors before retiring from Butcher Distributors, where he served as Warehouse Manager. In that role, he made a lasting impact in the HVAC industry, ensuring efficient operations, maintaining strong relationships with contractors and suppliers, and helping the business grow through his leadership, organization, and dedication to customer service. His steady guidance and deep knowledge of the industry earned him the respect of colleagues and customers alike. For 25 years, Pete could be found at the front door of City Lights, Generations Hall, and The Metropolitan on Saturday nights. As door manager and trusted gatekeeper of the VIP line, he became a familiar and beloved presence to countless guests. Everyone who knew “Mr. Pete” loved him. He was kind, caring, and friendly, always greeting people with his bright, welcoming smile that made everyone feel valued and at home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Fresenius Kidney Care Metairie Dialysis, the staff of East Jefferson Hospital, and the many others who gave Dad such care and comfort during his toughest days for the past six years. We are forever grateful.

Services will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70006, on Sunday, March 1st.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 3:00 with a Mass to follow. The family will hold a private interment at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation box will be available at the funeral home to help ease the burden of medical and funeral expenses.