Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Joseph Raymond Abram, 82, died June 12, 2009 , in his sleep. He was born June 2, 1927 , in Altoona , Pa. , to Thomas Jefferson Abram and Kathryn Murtaugh Abram.
Mr. Abram enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 during World War II, and served on a mine-sweeping vessel. Throughout his long and diverse working life, he was a carpenter, firefighter, life insurance salesman, real estate broker, restaurateur, and residential mortgage banker.
Above all, he was a loyal and passionate family man. The children in his life were especially charmed by his quirky sense of humor. Mr. Abram valued his family and friends as the most important and precious treasures in his life, and he was repaid in kind. His humor and wit endeared him to all he loved and to each new friend he met.
He had many interests apart from his working career, including a devotion to sports and his favorite teams, model building, and most recently, extensive RVing with his wife Peggy. In his middle age, Mr. Abram earned his pilot license and loved to fly. He was a man of many facets, not defined by only one or by his job. He was loved and will be sorely missed by all whose lives were touched by him.
Mr. Abram is survived by his wife of 25 years, Peggy Abram; daughters Janice Grabowski (Jeff) and Diane Devlin; sons Scott Abram (Cathy) and Tom Abram (Annie); stepson Bryce Jennings (Sheryl); stepdaughter Janet Pattison (Graham); sisters Helen Mosser and Janet Fink; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and countless friends.
Mr. Abram's life will be celebrated at a service Wednesday at 1 p.m. at St. Pius X Center, 2257 E. Cedar Ave. , in Flagstaff .
If desired, donations may be made in his memory to the Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com .
Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling the arrangements.