In a heartbreaking farewell that has touched the hearts of many, ABC 7 Chicago’s traffic anchor Diane Pathieu is mourning the loss of her husband, Nicholas “Nick” Adamski—a heroic Milwaukee firefighter and passionate advocate—who passed away on May 27 after a nearly five-year battle with stage 4 brain cancer. He was 42.
Adamski’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey defined not only by service and sacrifice, but by unwavering courage, compassion, and the infectious mantra he lived by—PMA: Positive Mental Attitude.
Diagnosed with glioblastoma in December 2020, Adamski’s life changed dramatically just before Christmas that year, when he collapsed suddenly and was rushed to Lutheran General Hospital. The diagnosis was devastating: grade 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, with doctors initially giving him just over a year to live. But Adamski refused to accept that timeline.
In the years that followed, Nick not only fought to extend his life—he fought to inspire others. “The only thing I remember is my right leg going up and shaking everything,” he recalled of his collapse in a 2022 interview. “After that, I couldn’t tell you anything.” But what followed was a profound transformation: from firefighter to public speaker, advocate, and symbol of resilience.
Pathieu, who has been a familiar face to Chicago viewers for years, stepped away from work recently to care for her husband as his condition worsened. On May 30, she shared the heartbreaking news in a deeply emotional Instagram post: “My angel, Nicholas ‘Nick’ Adamski, has gained his wings. He was surrounded by love and peace. Firefighter. Husband. Advocate. Hero.”
She continued, “Nick faced stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer with unmatched courage, grace, and an unshakable belief in PMA—Positive Mental Attitude.”
Known for his warmth and optimism even in the darkest moments, Adamski used his voice to uplift others. He made appearances on television, radio, and podcasts, encouraging those facing cancer and hardship to embrace hope, gratitude, and humor. His motto, “Peace and veggie grease,” became an enduring signature phrase that friends, colleagues, and followers cherished.
Throughout his firefighting career, Adamski displayed the same bravery that defined his cancer fight. He earned the prestigious Medal of Valor for saving an infant from a burning building while serving with the Milwaukee Fire Department—a testament to the kind of man he was both in uniform and out.
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), which had followed Nick’s journey, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt Facebook post, writing: “Through every challenge, Nick never stopped smiling. He served others, inspired hope, and uplifted everyone around him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him—and in the countless lives he touched.”
Adamski’s obituary, published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, emphasized the deep love he held for his wife Diane, his family, and his community. He is survived by Pathieu, his parents, stepfather, in-laws, brother, sisters-in-law, nieces, and a nephew.
“Forever in our hearts. I love you for always, sweetheart,” Pathieu wrote. “Keep that PMA. Love hard. Help others. And never, ever give up.”
In a world that often feels short on hope, Nick Adamski was a rare light—brave in battle, generous in spirit, and relentless in his belief that attitude could shape destiny. His life, though tragically short, was lived fully—and his message will echo long after the final alarm has sounded.
Rest in peace, Nick. And thank you—for your service, your strength, and your smile.