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Abie Abraham Obituary

Abie Abraham
Abie Abraham, 98, of Renfrew died Thursday afternoon at Butler Memorial Hospital.
Born July 31, 1913, in Lyndora, he was a son of the late Elias and Esther (Thomson) Abraham.
A decorated World War II veteran, Abie had enlisted in the U.S. Navy, then the Army, in 1932. He had served in the Philippines, China, Germany, and Panama, where he became a lightweight boxing champ and trainer.
He fought, was captured, endured the Bataan Death March and was a POW for 3½ years during World War II. Before returning the States, Abie stayed overseas for 2½ years to recover many of his fallen comrades from the march, helping to identify them and to assure they were properly laid to rest.
After returning to the United States, he served as a recruiter, then served two years in Germany until retiring with 30 years of service as a first sergeant. He also worked as a bartender and as a foreman for the state Department of Transportation and the state Highway Department in the 1960s.
Abie is in the Guinness Book of Records for tree sitting in Alameda Park. He wrote his first book, "Ghost Of Bataan Speaks" in 1971, and wrote his second book, "Oh God Where Are You" in 1997. His intent was to help the public better understand what took place to our brave men at the hands of the Japanese as POWs.
Abie had received numerous medals for his service, including the Purple Heart, was a recipient of the Ellis Island Family Heritage Award in 2003 and had several documentaries on the Discovery Channel and the History Channel.
He was a life member of the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Purple Heart Combat/Infantry Organization, the Ex-POW Organization, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Defenders of Bataan, the Lyndora Fire Department and the state Forest Wardens. He was a volunteer at VA Butler Healthcare since 1988, having over 38,000 hours. One of his favorite past times was helping other veterans.
Surviving are his wife, Christine (Vawryk) Abraham, who he married Aug. 3, 2009; three daughters, Lily (Al) Zeitziff of Reno, Nev., Edith Maria Mullen of the Philippines and Mildred Collis of Keystone, Fla; 11 grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and two stepsons, John David Wolf of Jennings, Okla., and Daniel P. (Irma) Wolf of California.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Felicidad Fely "Nancy" Abraham, who died in 1983; two sisters; and eight brothers.
ABRAHAM - Friends of Abie Abraham, who died Thursday, March 22, 2012, will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler, from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Church, Pillow Street, Butler. The Rev. Bogdan Bucur, pastor, will officiate.
Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Butler Eagle from Mar. 24 to Mar. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Abie Abraham

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Gordon Hochmeister

July 4, 2024

I met Abie many years ago, when he visited the families of the Bataan survivors, and those who passed on, while on the March, or while incarcerated. He was such a wonderful person, and our family became very close to him. He physically carried my cousin, Private Marvin Roice Stroud, stricken with malaria, for the last three days before arriving at Cabanatuan POW Camp, to keep the enemy soldiers from killing him. He was only sixteen years old.

George C Kutcher Jr

March 18, 2024

"GODSPEED" Abie

Jill

June 5, 2023

I knew Abie had passed, but wasn´t sure when until I found this site. Abie was a bunkmate of my great-uncle, Lloyd Spradlin, in the Philippines. He and Lloyd had survived the Bataan Death March and were in Camp Cabanatuan, a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines. Abie briefly mentioned Lloyd in his book, "Oh, God Where Are You?" He was with Uncle Lloyd when he died of dysentery on September 15, 1942. After the war Abie worked with the Americans to disinter thousands of prisoners, including Uncle Lloyd. In 1951 Lloyd finally came home. He is buried in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. Both my Uncle Lloyd and Abie were heroes. Abie gave such great service to our country. I hope he is long remembered.

Jeff Fox

November 25, 2020

I just finished reading Ghost Soldiers. My thanks to Abie for his service to our country is given for I’m his family and friends to know that his story and that of the others who endured and ultimately were victorious from the horrors of imprisonments at the hands of our enemies in WWII makes me weep for the suffering he endured and proud for the privilege to call him a great American

Gary & Emily Bischoff

March 18, 2020

What an honor it was to meet Abie at the Butler VA. He will be forever in our hearts!

Mary Brown

January 5, 2020

I am so sorry that I wasn't there when he had passed but my thoughts are there with the family.

Mary Brown

January 5, 2020

I had grown up around Abie my whole life. I miss him terribly. He knew so much and didn't talk a whole lot either. I have both of his books myself and he sent my husband sign copies of his books. He was a very special person in my life. He would always make a fuss over me as a child and he was always there when you need him. There will never be another like him.

Love you Uncle Abie and you are terribly missed.

Josielyn Gilbaugh

April 24, 2018

Sorry this message is years late but I truly respect you, sir Abie Abraham. I cry every time I read Ghost of Bataan Speaks. My copy, which I purchased from a used books store, bears your signature and I will treasure this dearly because you had sacrificed so much for my country, the Philippines, so that we can live in freedom. Thank you Sir!

DAVID NUNNS

September 30, 2015

A CREDIT TO GOD-COUNTRY AND RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thomas Ault

June 4, 2015

I have a copy of the Ghost of Bataan Speaks signed by this great humanitarian and am so glad that I met him one time. I only wish I had been able to spend more time with him

ROBERT MCMAHAN

November 11, 2013

REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND WITH THE GREAT SMILE AT THE VA EVERY MORNING AT THE VA.MORE PEOPLE NEED TO BE LIKE YOU ,SORRY THIS IS SO LATE.YOUR FELLOW VOLUNTEER AT THE VA.

Virginia Laska

September 27, 2013

After writing on Abie's page last year when I learned of his passing, I was contacted by a person dealing with military records and was informed that my Uncle, who died in Camp Cabanatuan, was entitled to a Purple Heart and other medals of honor. The paperwork was done by my Uncle's last surviving brother and this past April we attended the medal ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base where my uncle was awarded his Purple Heart. I know it was Abie's way of making sure that no soldier is ever forgotten. That ceremony meant the world to me because it honored my uncle who is one of my heroes, along with my father and Abie. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You will never been forgotten, Abie. Virginia Laska

James Watkins

September 26, 2013

I had the honor of knowing Abie for over 20 years, no trip to the Butler VA was complete without spending a few minutes with him. even over a year after his death it leaves a empty spot not seeing him every month as I visit the VA. may he rest in peace - he has earned it.

Albert Dziennik

December 27, 2012

He was a servant of his fellow veteran to the end. I knew him at Butler VA before I knew anything about his 'history'. That's the kind of man he was. He helped so many throughout his life. A really true hero. May God's peace be your's eternally.

Jane Crawford

December 12, 2012

I had the honor of knowing this man. He loved to share his life experiences so others could learn. He was a war hero yet a humble man. I have signed copies of his books. In one book he signed that I made better meatballs than Yogi Berra, ...one of his many friends. I would drive to Butler, PA and deliver my meatballs and sauce to him while he worked the front desk of the VA Hospital. For some reason today I "Googled his name and was sadden that he had past away in March. Abie...thank you for being you.

Angie Johnson

October 3, 2012

I just found Abie's obituary after reading of his death on his web site, so this note is late, but still from the heart.

From the family of PFC Frank Buyan of Melrose, Montana, our deepest condolences to Abie's entire family. He was with my Great Uncle Frank as a POW and also when he died in July of 1942. Abie even visited my family in Montana before he went home to Pennsylvania after coming back from the war. My mother was a young girl and talked about him with us as kids. Now she is 79 years old. I believe they included him as a life time member of the Anaconda, Montana VFW while he was there.

I tracked Abie down after his second book was published and exchanged a few letters. It was always so special to receive his Christmas card, with the little map of the Death March tucked inside, inspiring all to "never forget". My son used Abie's notes in a school report he wrote about the Death March, proving Abie's goal to pass on his legacy, was certainly achieved.

We will always be thankful for Abie's books and all he shared with so many for so long. Now, he can rest in peace - I hope by this time he has found my Great Uncle Frank. I'm sure he would want to be one of the first to find Abie in Heaven.

Syl Zembrzuski

August 25, 2012

I Syl R. Zembrzuski, met Abie at the Butler V.A. It was a great pleasure seeing him greeting each time I went there. I shot several photo's of Abie there which should be looked for. Further in my local news an Obit for Abie appeared of which I worked on and mountes and scanned for hopefully the family or whoever contacts me at [email protected]. Further, Abie knew I was a Guard and Protector for Audie Murphy (peace time). Too long to elaborate here.

Martin Wright

August 23, 2012

We knew Abie from his Books, and volunteering at the Butler VA, he was a Friend and Brother to all service men and women continually dedicated to his country and what it stands for,He will be sadly missed by all.THANK YOU ABIE.........
Martin Wright

Bob McIntyre

August 21, 2012

I met Abie in 1969 in Butler. I didnt see him again untill 2005 at the VA hospital in Butler . He remembered where and when we had met 35 years earlier God Bless him.

Jim Watkins

June 3, 2012

I knew Abie for more than 20 years, He gave more time and service to this great country than most people will ever live. with his passing we lost a great person and servent of his fellow man may he rest in peace

Luman Sims

May 2, 2012

I met this Man and He was such an inspiration. and on the other side a heck of a nice Guy. RIP abie.

Holly Dodd Hartzel

April 17, 2012

My daughter (Kristen Hageman Byford) used to volunteer at the VA and was one of 'Abie's girls' that he had lunch with. She was always talking about this amazing man and that he was. He spoke at my parents church in Bruin as well and was so well respected. You will be greatly missed Abie......a man of many talents! Deepest sympathy to Christine and the rest of his family.

Holly Dodd Hartzell and family
Bob and Lu Dodd
Kristen Hageman Byford

April 16, 2012

The world has lost a true hero. God Bless you Mr. Abraham. Donald L. Hawkins

April 9, 2012

Abie is my hero, along with my Uncle Carl. He was there be my uncle's side when he died in June of 1942 in Camp Cabanatuan. He contacted my family and we corresponded throughout the years. One of Dad's favorite memories is getting to meet Abie. He will never be forgotten. God Bless Him. Virginia Laska (Stockton, Kansas)

Caroline Roxberry

March 30, 2012

What an amazing human being. If we could all accomplish even half of what this man accomplished this nation would be better for it. This man was truly a hero. We should all aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Sincerely,
Proud American

Linda Barnes

March 30, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss he was great person always had time for everyone . I meant him while taking my father to the VA Butler Hosp. Also my dad and I went and heard him speak.

Evelyn Koegler

March 30, 2012

Hi Marianne:
I was so sorry to hear about your father passing. Hope you are doing okay. He has a lovely daughter to keep up his legacy. Take care.

Dick McCandless

March 30, 2012

It is hard to come up with the right words to say about what he has meant to our country. It was a great privilidge to have been able to thank him for his service to our country.

Glenn Blackway

March 29, 2012

I wish I had met him. The USA has lost a great patriot.
Glenn Blackway
USN

Travis Fisher

March 29, 2012

What a great human being he was, I am honored to have met him.

March 28, 2012

One of the things I looked forward to over my 18 years at VA Butler Healthcare was Abie's greeting. He generously shared his inspirational stories. My condolences to Chris and the Abraham family. Rest in Peace Abie. Ginny Yelland, Wilmington, Delaware.

Pat Bartoe

March 28, 2012

We had the honor of hearing Abie speak at our church, Grace way, for Veterans Day a couple of years back. It was such a special service and he was a special man. Thanks to Abie and all the other Veterans for all they have done.
Pat and Keith Bartoe

Cheryl Thomson

March 27, 2012

Want to Thank Abie for being a very kind man I meant at VA Hospital as he was greeting I was reading his book Ghost Soldiers as my son at SRU ROTC program and I had just meant Abie so we were able to invite Abie to speak at SRU ROTC class. We got both of Abie's books and thankfully signed They will be treasured for always. I was so blessed to have known him and I was blessed to hear he had given his life to God Blessings to the family always Abie will always be my HERO I have my son , daughter and son-in-law serving Blessings to all

Darlene (Marsico) Varljen

March 27, 2012

It was an honor and inspiration knowing Abe. I was blessed to know him for many years thru the American Legion. He truly is the definition of ethic, valor, strength and perserverance. No matter how difficult life can be, YOU CAN make it the best that you can and rise above it all. Bless you for your sacrifices, the nightmare you lived for our country, and all the blessings you gave there after from living them. I value my copies of the books you wrote and how you shared your war experience. I will always treasure the most giving and wonderful person who survived it all and all the inspirations you gave me! Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers!

Kara Aubrecht

March 26, 2012

Even though I never knew you personally like my dad, he has told me so much about you. You are a great guy and deserve to be buried with a large amount of respect and dignity. It is a shame that you died, the world lost a great man, veteran, and boxer. Above all my dad lost a great friend. You will truly be missed.

John, Amy, Tyler and Robbie Young

March 26, 2012

Thank you for your service to our country. I always enjoyed seeing Abie when he came into Eat N Park for breakfast. May he rest in Peace.

March 26, 2012

We had the honor of meeting Abie at the Butler VA and enjoyed our many talks. God bless. 'Til we meet again, Emily and Gary Bischoff

Stephanie Sadler

March 26, 2012

All are sympathy goes to abies family...he was a great man and a wonderful person to work for...you was my great grandpas friend and fellow worker then you became a close friend of ours and we will miss you and your wonderful stories
Love Stephanie Sadler and Family

Jim Christie

March 26, 2012

Rest in peace Abie. I had the pleaseure to meet you a few times at the VA Hospital. The nation has lost a true hero.

As we say in the Navy, "Fair Winds and Following Seas, old friend."

Carole Brodmerkel

March 26, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family of Abie Abraham. I had the honor and privelge of once meeting Abie. I thanked him then for his service to our country and I thank him again. What a courageous, compassionate human being he was. May his name forever be remembered. Down thru the ages. May the world always know there was a first sergeant Abie Abraham. He is now at ease beside the throne of God.

Jillian

March 26, 2012

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences. Look to God for comfort during this difficult time. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you. James 4:8

March 26, 2012

My prayers and thoughts are with Abie's family. Abie has helped many of us veterans now God will take care of Abie. Woodie Kirkwood

Paul Kramer

March 25, 2012

Abie you are what a true hero looks like, not like one of these multi million dollar rock stars or a multi million dollar sports person. You autographed your last book for me and I will always cherish it. Rest in peace top. I Love You.

Ralph Householder

March 25, 2012

Rest in peace, Abie. You have been a true inspiration to all Americans. Thank you, we will all miss you so.

Shawn Aubrecht

March 25, 2012

Abie your in our prayers and thoughts at this moment,but you will always be a hero to everyone that knew you.

March 25, 2012

May you rest in peace Dear Abie. What a wonderful inspiration you were to so many throughout your long life. You are in a better place with so many who have gone before you. Sincerely Donna J Landsbaugh

Tony Schaffner

March 24, 2012

Abie me and my wife and son had the pleasure of going to pnc park as luck would have it that was a day to honor vets.My son was going to go on the field to give the line up card but a rain delay came in and you and my son dylan talk for 2 hours as fate would have it we were from butler. My son said after the game what a hero! You will and always be a hero. thank you.Tony and Tracy and DYLAN Schaffner

H. Gill

March 24, 2012

Stand easy, Top. Say "hello" to my cousin and the other 200th C.A. New Mexicans. Of the 1,845 that left in October 1941, only 400 returned home. God Bless. H.A. Gill, Los Angeles, CA

ROBERT MCMAHAN

March 24, 2012

speaking as a volunteer at the butler va medical center abe you will be sadly missed whenever i get back to the va.you were a great friend,a great smile to those you didnt know but helped with just a smile.thanks abe for being there and a friend of mine.GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL

ROBERY MCMAHAN

March 24, 2012

GREAT GUY,GREAT GUY TO WORK WITH AT THE BUTLER VA CENTER AS A VOLUNTEER.VERY FRIENDLY GUY TO EVERYONE HE SPOKE TO EVEN IF HE DIDNT KNOW YOU.WILL MISS YOU ABE IN THE MORNINGS .

Richard "Dick" Hackett Family

March 24, 2012

From the small steel mill town of Lyndora, PA hailed an extraordinary human being. A man who lived his life with courage and with honor, Abie Abraham, Ghost Of Bataan. Thank you for serving our country and for your continued dedicated service of our great veterans! Born and raised in Lyndora, my own father, Richard "Dick" Hackett, also a veteran, knew Abie as a friend and spoke of him with the highest regard imaginable! I would like to share a poem written by my father years before his death titled "Rally To The Whispers". Don't you hear the whispers coming from the graves? Their voices are for all to hear, especially the brave. Those hallowed voices sounding still ring with liberty. They gave their lives with honor to make our nation free. With the rolling of their drums, battle flags held high, many marched to glory, many marched to die. Have they died in vain for us or will we hear their plea. We can take a road the other way but we never will be free. Valor was their virtue to keep us from the knaves. We must rally to the whispers, the whispers from the graves. Mr. Abraham rallied to the whispers his entire life in every sense of those words and was a living example of how it is done! We WILL always remember! Sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family, The Family Of Richard "Dick" Hackett.

Tony John

March 24, 2012

Rest in Peace Cuz.
It was an honor to know you !
.........................
Chris, We are unable to go to Butler at this time, but we should be able to go to Arlington. Please keep in touch. Tony.

verna tomko

March 24, 2012

ABIE you were such a great man and you will be missed so much by those your life has touched.My friend forever since those first days ,when i lived above your mum and i found you as a friend for all these years.AS TRUE WAR HERO AND PATRIOT, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND BRAVE HEART THAT YOU GAVE UNSELFISHLY TO ALL THAT YOU KNEW.I will miss you very much my fiend.You will be in gods hands now,So he can look after you.My deepest thoughts are with your family at this sorrowful time (REST IN PEACE)
Always your friend
VERNA MAE TOMKO

Larry McElwain

March 24, 2012

A true hometown hero of who we are very proud. As a young boy growing up in the West End, Abie was our idol. He will never be forgotten.

Janet

March 24, 2012

He has now marched into Heaven and is safe in God's arms. With sympathy to his family and closest friends. The memory of his life will live on.

Tracy Miller

March 24, 2012

Rest in peace Abie. Its was a honor to know u and how u served our country. I remember u came to talk to my daughters 6th grade class and gave my children a copy of ur autographed books. Rest in peace Abie. God Bless you.

James Zambroski

March 24, 2012

Rest, now, First Sergeant and thank you for your service around the world in the name of the United States of America, but particularly for bringing home the martyred heroes of Bataan.

Michael/ Dee Dee Newcaster

March 24, 2012

May we express our deepest sympathy to the Families of Abie; He had a rare quality of leadership & profound devotion to his family & friends, which earned his love & respect of all of us who had the fortune to know a real hero & patriot. He never forgot where he came from & once he knew your name, he never forgot it. What a remarkable man. God bless all of you, during such sad times.

Gary Kelley

March 24, 2012

Rest in Peace Abie. It was an honor and a priviledge to know you.

Elaine Ray

March 24, 2012

Thoughts and Prayers for your family. Abie was a true American hero.

wilda stroup

March 24, 2012

I salute your veteran. My condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.

Cesar & Melanie Miranda

March 24, 2012

With deepest sympathy and condolence to the family of a great man and a HERO!

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