OBITUARY: Adam Urbanik Lieberstein

It was Saturday, March 20, 1982, when Adam Fitzgerald Urbanik was brought into the world at the Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. His proud parents, Ed and Patti Urbanik, first saw his wisps of blond hair at 3:30 p.m. From the day of his birth, Adam was surrounded by the love of his parents, grandparents, family and friends.

Sadly, Adam’s father, Ed, was diagnosed with a brain tumor when Adam was six weeks old and passed away when Adam was 1 and one half years old. It was Adam’s childhood wonder and joy that gave Patti the will, purpose and ability to move on, even as her heart ached from the loss of her beloved Ed.

As you can imagine, Adam and Patti were inseparable in the coming years and she loved hearing his laughter and amazement as life’s experiences began to unwind around him. For example, as soon as Adam was able to sit up, he would be in the kitchen with his mother smelling spices and joining her in creating culinary masterpieces. It was experiences like this that would contribute to Adam’s love of cooking and fine food throughout his life.

Adam was 4 years old when Patti met Gary in 1986. While playful with his mother, Adam was somewhat shy, particularly around people he did not know well. Something was different with Gary though. As Patti and Gary’s relationship and love grew, Adam was the one standing at the front screen door smiling and holding it open as Gary arrived for dinner.

It didn’t take long for this new young family to grow and bond together. Gary and Patti were married one year later. Gary quickly took care of legalities and Adam was given his new name, Adam Urbanik Lieberstein, in 1987.

The family became four with the birth of Rachel Hilary Lieberstein in December 1988. Adam was so excited about his sister from the moment he held her in his arms within minutes of her birth. Although they were nearly seven years apart, they were best friends immediately. Adam was Rachel’s big brother and protector from that moment on. Her first steps at age 1 were at Adam’s coaxing into his arms.

Adam attended Sunrise Montessori followed by Browns Valley Elementary School. His art career started with his first lessons at age 4. While in primary school, Adam participated in several team sports including T-ball and soccer. He was very proud of his role in protecting younger children as a crossing guard.

During this time, Adam also played numerous roles in Broadway Bound productions, including a chimney sweep in “Mary Poppins.” Adam and Gary also enjoyed their time together in Indian Guides, including riding on a float in the Fourth of July parade.

Adam’s middle school years were spent at St. John’s Lutheran, where he was a member of the renowned boy’s basketball team, as well as a singer in the school choir. Adam then attended Justin-Siena High School, where he graduated in the class of 2000. During these years, Adam continued his interest in theater productions and art, moving to backstage roles in art and set design. One of the highlights of his high school theater career was working together with Rachel in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Adam pursued his art career at California State University, Chico, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Art and Illustration in 2005.

In his years following college, Adam enjoyed traveling the world, living for a period of time in St. Thomas and Madrid. While in Madrid, he was deeply involved assisting in creating La Noche Triste, a professional art reproduction of 15th-century battle scenes.

Adam was an avid hiker and mountain biker and was often seen around Napa in his favorite areas, including Alston Park and Westwood Hills. He also regularly volunteered his time at the Napa Boys and Girls Club, Land Trust, The Table and St. John’s Lutheran Garden.

Adam was a generous and caring man who was dearly loved by his friends and family. He also was one of millions of people across our country suffering from a disease of his brain. Many people have been very considerate and generous to Adam during his struggles. More than anything, his family asks that people show kindness towards each other, especially to those whose appearances or lifestyle they may not understand.

Our family is very grateful to everyone who has been reaching out to us with their love and support. We are planning a gathering to celebrate Adam’s life. Anyone interested in more information should contact us at liebersteinfamily@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be sent in Adam’s name to Aldea Children and Family Services in Napa (AldeaInc.com).

Please see numerous comments of condolences on two other Napa Valley Patch stories, and here.

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