Adam Scott Grismer

Adam was born on September 25th, 1966 in Livonia, Michigan to his loving parents, Susan and Gale Grismer. He grew up in Weston, Connecticut with his parents and two older brothers, Mark and Eric. As a child, Adam loved to fish and would excitedly get up at 4 am to go trout fishing at the opening of the season each year. He also played basketball and was involved in the local little league. Adam went to Weston High School where he began to take woodworking classes, something he enjoyed and shared a passion with his dad. He loved building things and there are reflections of his craftsmanship on display throughout his home and beautiful backyard as he carried this hobby into his later years. He played a variety of sports in high school as well. He participated in ice hockey, was the football quarterback, and was all-state lacrosse player of the year during his senior year of high school. After high school, Adam chose the University of Mississippi, “Ole Miss”, in Oxford, Mississippi to continue his education. While attending Ole Miss, he joined Kappa Sigma fraternity and interned at Chase bank in Manhattan, New York. Adam graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. Adam developed life-long friendships in his younger days growing up in Weston and during his years at Ole Miss that he cherished deeply. He was an extremely loyal friend.

Adam then began his long and decorated career in the banking industry. He worked at Wells Fargo for 30 years, then moved to Bank of America where he worked for 5 years. He had many titles over the years including Commercial Lending Officer, Business Area Manager and most recently, Senior Relationship Manager. A highlight of his career was in 2011 when he was granted his Senior Vice President title. It was a proud and well-deserved moment for him. Adam was loved by his co-workers and clients who were loyal to him because of his work ethic, caring nature and expertise. They trusted him and always knew he had their best interest in mind. He was a mentor to many throughout his career and enjoyed teaching and sharing his vast business banking knowledge with others.

While he worked for Wells Fargo, he met his wife, Nicola “Nicky”, who worked in the same building as him at the time. They went on to get married on August 27th, 2005 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the Broadmoor, which was a special place as he had proposed to her there. It was also a place where he had many fond memories as it was a favorite vacation spot for his family growing up. Adam and Nicky decided to settle down in Mission Viejo, Ca to start their family. Adam had shared with his mom that he hoped one day he would have a daughter. It was his dream. His dream came true and they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Madison, he lovingly called Maddie. He adored her and was the perfect “girl” dad, supporting her in all her sports, dance and school endeavors. Adam and Nicky often talked about how proud they are of Maddie and the amazing young lady she has become.

Adam was a man with many talents and many hobbies. He was the primary family cook, known for his grilling and delicious cooking. He loved to find new recipes on Pinterest and often gave tips to the soccer moms during soccer games. Holidays were especially fun and festive with Adam cooking in the kitchen with his assistant chef, Maddie, while Nicky decorated the house and table. He had that love for fishing that began as a young boy back in Weston. When he first moved to Mission Viejo, he loved to wake up early and fish at Lake Mission Viejo. He helped Maddie catch her very first fish on that lake, which was a proud dad moment. He eventually moved on to deep sea fishing with his dedicated group of friends and fishing club. He had an annual trip every Labor Day weekend that he especially enjoyed and looked forward to each year. He would spend the weeks leading up to the trip preparing his lures and getting all of his gear set. He also belonged to the mens club at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club where he golfed for many years with his club mates and with Maddie as she learned to golf. A few highlights on the golf course were when he and Maddie came in 2nd place during a father/daughter tournament and when she first beat him in a round of golf at the young age of 9. After a round of golf, he enjoyed spending time in the clubhouse with his buddies playing dice or watching football, which often led to playing a few rounds of pool or poker back at the house.

Adam was a family man, devoted husband, loving father. With all the hobbies he had, he loved nothing more than being home with Maddie and Nicky, watching movies together, playing cards, cooking for them, listening to his favorite classic rock music, having Maddie sing his favorite songs for him, acting silly, hanging out in the backyard relaxing and playing with the dogs, Sadie and Harlee. At the end of a long day, Adam would relax in his big recliner with one dog on his lap and the other on the top of the chair wrapped around his neck like a scarf. They adored him too. He was a kind and gentle man who cared deeply about those he loved. His loss has been devastating to family and friends.

Adam passed away on September 1st, 2024 at Mission Hospital, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife, Nicola “Nicky” Grismer, his daughter, Madison “Maddie” Grismer, his mother, Susan Grismer, and his two brothers, Mark and Eric Grismer. He will be laid to rest at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, California.

Though Adam has left us, his smile, his laugh and cherished memories will always be within our hearts. Rest in peace, Adam. You are so dearly loved and will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of life for Adam will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Fairhaven Memorial Services, 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Adam's memory may be made to Make-A-Wish, https://wish.org/; and Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043&_gl=1.