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ABRAHAM SPECTOR Obituary
died peacefully on April 19, 2016 at the age of 90, surrounded by family, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was the quintessential New Yorker. A first generation American whose parents fled Russia, he rose to international prominence as a research scientist at Columbia University where he was the Research Director of the Department of Ophthalmology and held the Malcolm P. Aldrich Chair. During the summers he continued his research and writing at the Marine Biological Laboratories in Woods Hole, MA. He was a gifted amateur violinist, avid concert-goer, world traveler, and a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Dr. Spector's pioneering research contributed to our understanding of cataract and the aging process. His intense curiosity, lively intellect and absolute dedication to family made him a special person to many. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Mitzi Filson, four children, David Spector, Paul Spector, Paul Filson, and Adele Filson, and nine grandchildren, Ben, Anna, Danielle, Julian, Sophia, Tyler, Jackie, Elena, and Lucas. Donations in Abraham Spector's memory can be made to "Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, for the purposes of the Abraham Spector Prize Lecture Fund," a forum that presents innovative research in vision and neuroscience, and be sent to 635 West 165th Street, Box #13, New York, NY 10032.
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Memories and Condolences
for ABRAHAM SPECTOR
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
5 Entries
Kathleen Anderson
June 26, 2016
I am so sorry to have just learned of this. My memories of Abe go back 40 years. His gentle genius, buoyant energy, intense curiosity and compassionate concern became synonymous with the family's backbone and emotional inheritance. I don't know what they will do without you.
Lorna Shaw
May 27, 2016
I send my love and deepest condolences to Mitzi and Abe's sons and all in their families. I've only just learned of Abe's death tonight, after an email I sent to him was bounced back. My memories of Abe as a young man, of him playing piano duets with his sister Shirley, of his violin talents, of his distinctive voice and wonderful sense of humor, his delightful laugh ... all were an integral part of my childhood. I remember how my father would present Abe with a math puzzle, and how that would keep young Abe busy and absorbed until he'd solved it. I'll miss having his advice regarding treatment of my own eye issues. I'll miss the pleasures of his company at dinner when I visit in New York. I knew his health was failing. Still, the finality of his death startles and shocks me. Abe had so much life in him. I will miss him dearly.
Karen Coburn
April 27, 2016
I met Abe when my children attended Science School in Woods Hole with his grandchildren. He struck me as being the epitome of the most successful men in George Vaillant's famous longitudinal study a mentor and patriarch, taking great joy in passing along knowledge and tradition to the next generation. He displayed such keen interest in what the children were learning, engaged them in discussion about their discoveries of the day, was so generous in his appreciation of their accomplishments. I was immensely grateful for how he and Mitzi opened their home and hearts to my children as if they were their grandchildren, too. I was amazed at their energy and hospitality it never seemed a bother to add another place at the dinner table and Abe was always cooking something exotic. When I think of Abe, I remember his piercing blue eyes, a gaze full of kindness and wisdom. I recall his insights, encouragement, and caring when I faced challenges myself. His was a life well lived, in so many ways. Those of us who knew him, even only briefly, remain lucky, indeed, for the time we were able to spend in his company and the inspiration he provides.
Rena Epstein
April 22, 2016
Beautifully written and captures the essence of an extraordinary man. I love you and thank you for showing the way in so many ways.
Paul FIlson
April 22, 2016
I will miss my step father greatly.
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