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Joseph Abrew Obituary
Joseph "Roger" Joel Abrew was born on Sep. 2, 1943. He was the son of Joseph and Nita Abrew, of Vacaville. He attended Golden Gate Academy and graduated from Pacific Union College with a Masters in Mathematics and a minor in Music. He taught Math and Music at Mountain View Academy for 4 years during which his band "The Royal Blues" produced two records.
Opting for a career change, he attended Loma Linda University and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He graduated early and went to teach dentistry at the University of New York Dental School in Stony Brook, Long Island. Later he returned to Vacaville and established his dental practice in 1974. Roger loved Dentistry and the interaction it provided him with his patients. He worked as a dentist for 30 years until he retired in 2004. His practice carries on today through his son Joseph.
Roger enjoyed playing his trumpet in several jazz bands, religious music groups, and orchestras. He loved golf and played regularly at Green Valley Country Club for 30 years.
He is survived by his two children: Joseph and Lisa, and his two sisters, Diana Jennings and Darllynne Michael. A memorial will be held in his honor on Friday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Mission Church located at 6391 Leisure Town Road in Vacaville and all who would like to attend are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the American Heart Association, Maranatha, or ADRA.
All arrangements entrusted to the care of Nadeau Family Funeral Home, 455-7700.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Abrew
September 23, 2010
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Abrew's passing. He was my childhood dentist and though I have moved out of the area, I have often thought of him over the years. He was such a wonderful dentist. He was gentle, kind and compassionate. My heart goes out to his family.
Roger, we miss you!
Keith Stout
September 12, 2010
Our dear friend Roger will be missed.
Abrew family thank you for letting us
have Roger play with all of his fellow musician friends in Solano County,
Alive Music Orchestra and the Vaca Jazz Society's Jazz Festival for the
past decades.
He was a surrogate father, coach mentor ,dentist, and lead trumpet player for my Alive Music Orchestra.
We all loved him.
He encouraged myself and others to take our AMO music ministry as an outreach performing in the community, churches and national television,
giving hope through encouraging music
for the past twenty years.
Roger had the heart of gold, for all those touched and blessed by his kind spirit have forever treasured memories of him that are priceless.
Thank you for the memories, and your wonderful ministry. The Lord has a new
trumpeter playing with Gabriel.
In behalf of members from the Alive Music Orchestra, Vaca Jazz Society and the Stout family our deepest condolences to his family.
Suzanne
September 11, 2010
May you rest in peace, my condolences to the family. You were the best dentist and a wonderful human being.
Robert & Shirlene Bowden
September 10, 2010
We will miss you, Dr.Abrew. You were a wonderful dentist and your work will carry on with Dr.Joe. Our prayers are with all of the family and may God's peace cover all.
Harvey Brenneise
September 10, 2010
What a blessing Roger (Mr. A) was in the lives of so many. For the MVA class of 69, he came into our lives our sophomore year. I was his reader for several years, and took attendance in band and geometry. He brought a lot of joy to many through his lively music and wonderful trumpet playing, and above all else, he taught us to believe in the "wonderfulness of ourselves." Rest in peace, dear Roger, and blessings and comfort to those who were dearest to you.
Lavonne Sewake
September 10, 2010
What a shock it was to see Mr. Abrew's obituary in the local paper last Sunday morning! He was the epitome of a vibrant, young and energetic man during the four years he taught at MVA. Every student who attended MVA during this time was touched in some way by this amazing man. He was the quintessential teacher: passionate, energetic and caring. He encouraged ALL, not just some of his students to be the best that they could be. His youthful enthusiasm coupled with an unexpected maturity regarding his responsibility to us is unforgettable. While Mr. Abrew may have chosen another career path after putting up with the Class of '70 for four years, his legacy as a teacher will live on for many years in all of us. Thank you, Mr. Abrew , for choosing to pursue for a time, the Noblest of Professions - Teaching.
Sally Ann Stover
September 10, 2010
On September 2end I went down to the beach and placed a rose in the ocean spending some time there with my memories and in memory of Roger. People probably wondered why I was smiling at the rose.
Rog was an incredible young man! I have so many treasured memories. Then 16 years ago when my son died Rog came back in my life as a pillar of strength
and supportive friend. He was a blessing to me.
We both really liked this -
"Perhaps they are not really stars in the sky....perhaps they're openings in the heavens where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy>"
I will be looking in the stars and talking to my special friend!
Dear Diana, Darllynne, Joseph and Lisa my thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this deeply difficult time.
Sincerely Sally (Sutton) Stover
Brookings, Oregon
Carlos 'Beaner' Urbina
September 9, 2010
There is not one student from MVA who was not touched by Roger 'Abes' Abrew. His legacy will continue through eternity. I am so sorry for your loss Joseph, Lisa, Diana and Darilyenne. Roger was a man, a man who influenced my life as much as my parents did-he gave me the confidence that I could succeed though college. I owe my accomplishments to my parents and Roger. I admired him because he was a father to several who did not have the ideal home situation.
Eleven years ago after surving a poor prognosis and recovering from Cancer surgery I remember sitting at home feeling sorry for my self. Then I recieved a call from Roger we talked for some time and my confidence was restored. I will forever cherish our conversation. I wish I could Thank him again. There is too much that will be missed and so much more I want to say. I am just sooo thankful that I was able to tell him how much he meant to me. I pray we will all be there to help Roger carry his massive crown. Joseph and Lisa your father was a wealthy man. I hope I can meet the both of you some time and I aplogize that I will not be able to be there tomorrow.
Mary Jane Tait
September 9, 2010
Roger was a good friend of my husbands and his brother at GGA and we all played together in Wind Symphonetta at PUC. those were all good days. He was a very talented man and we shall miss his musical talents very much. Our sympathies to his family and loved ones.Pastor and Mrs. Myron Tait and his brother Russell Tait as well.
September 9, 2010
Diana, Darlene, Lisa, and Joseph I am so sorry for the lost of your father and brother. He was truely a great person that will be missed. My regret is that we didn't get a chance to play a round of golf togather. However, it is my desire to meet him in the earth made new.
Irving Vanderberg
bob hwang
September 9, 2010
Roger was the band teacher at MVA and was part of a group that played background music for the MVA banquet; I was in the Class of '69 at GGA; my older brother, Bill was in the class of '59, with Roger's sister, Darlyne. In the past few years, Roger played his trumpet at our church in Paradise. We send our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.
September 9, 2010
I remember "Mr. Abrew" and what a great influence he had on the students as a teacher and mentor. Mr. Abrew brought something very unique and needed to MVA where my brothers and I attended. He was a very special person and I am sure will missed dearly,
Tamara McClanahan, Class of 73
Zana Redden
September 9, 2010
Because GGA was a small school, we all felt part of the family. Roger's loss touches us all. My condolences to his family.
Salli James
September 9, 2010
Joseph, Lisa, Diana, and Darlene.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will remember and cherish the memories I had with you and your family. Roger was very special to so many. As you think of him, remember those special times when you laughed, played, camped, golfed, and felt LOVED. The lessons you now can pass to your families. He is not forgotten.
Sweet dreams Roger...
Love,
Salli Souza James
Pam Reyes
September 9, 2010
My heart goes out to the family. The loss of a loved one is more than anyone can imagine. Dr Abrew was my dentist for almost 25 yrs. I was in the Air Force and then married had my two daughters and they would go with me to my office visits and his children would be there often. Dr. Abrew was so kind to me during hard times and I will always appreciate everything he and his staff did and still contiuue to do for me and my daughter Jennifer and grandson Trenton. He will truely be missed by many.
Martha Bendrell-Perez
September 8, 2010
Mr. Abrew will forever be remembered as a teacher and band director who loved his students and inspired us to do our best. His "Royal Blues" legacy will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
September 8, 2010
He was one of my favorite teachers and did so much to inspire us all in the Royal Blues band. I am so sorry for his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Debbie (John) Rawson
Gary Spencer
September 8, 2010
Joseph, Lisa, Diana, and Darllynne - My heart goes out to the Abrew family in your bereavement. Roger was a special man and I will miss his friendship and frequent phone calls. We grew up near each other in Oakland, we double-dated and traveled together and remained close all of our lives. He was my best man and played at my wedding and he always referred to himself as my daughter's Godfather. He will truly be missed by myself and my family.
Larry Fletcher
September 7, 2010
He inspired those of us who played in the Royal Blues band to be much better musicians than we ever thought possible. He was a true motivator and friend
Cheryl Cox / Kopp
September 7, 2010
Mr. Abrew was one of only 3 teachers I'll never forget. He was so young and energetic and loved his students, he always made you feel that nothing was too hard to accomplish, I loved Geometry, the first time math made sense to me. My heart goes out to his family at this time, you're in my prayers. I can't wait until we all meet again on that resurection day.
John and Anita Weldon
September 7, 2010
I picked Dr. Abrew out of the phonebook when I first moved to Vacaville not knowing a single person. I couldn't have made a better choice. He was a wonderful dentist and a wonderful person. He is in our prayers as well as his family. May he rest in peace
Trent Fry
September 7, 2010
My family was very fortunate to call Dr Abrew 'our' dentist. We will truely miss him! Our condolences go out to his famly.
Darold Retzer
September 6, 2010
Joseph, Lisa, Diana & Darllynne my thoughts are with you at this time. Roger was always a fun loving and enthusiastic person. We had a great time growing up together. He will be missed! I will keep you all in my prayers and look forward to seeing you Friday.
David Gibbs
September 6, 2010
I never enjoyed math and dreaded having to take classes in it at Mtn. View. I took Geometry from Mr. Abrew my Jr. year and enjoyed every minute. Here was a teacher with passion for what he did, and he was totally invested in having us succeed. Later in life I designed custom homes and used the skills taught to me by Mr. Abrew. He was an example of what a dedicated and involved teacher can contribute to a young person's future. I will miss you Roger.
June Swederofsky
September 6, 2010
Mr.Abrew you were a great math teacher.
May you rest in peace Mr. Abrew.
My prayers go out to his family and loved ones
June Swederofsky
September 6, 2010
All I have to say Mr. Abrew is you were a great math teacher.
I remember you were initiated with the Mountain View Academy Class of '70.
May you rest in peace.
Also my prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
June Swederofsky
September 6, 2010
Rodger Abrew you were a great Math Teacher.
I remember you were initiated with my Class the Class of 70 at MVA
May God be with you as you rest in peace and your family members
June Swederofsky
September 6, 2010
Mr. Abrew was well liked by all in the academy.
I was there and was of the Class of '70.
He was a great math teacher.
May God Bless him and his family members.
He always told us in math not to put off till the last minute.
He said before you had an exam you were to have a good time.
He will greatly be missed
Cheryll Bedney-Moore
September 6, 2010
You were a wonderful, fun-loving, hard working teacher at MVA and I was blessed to be taught by you. See you in the morning Mr. Abrew.
Diana Jennings, PhD, RN, MS
September 6, 2010
I will miss you, dear Roger, but believe that I will see you and our wonderful parents again in a better place. Thank you for being my brother and for everything you did for our family. It is not right that I, your older sister, should survive you. Love, Diana
Nadeau Family Funeral Home
September 4, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Oakmont Funeral and Cremation Services at Vacaville180 East Monte Vista Avenue, Vacaville, CA 95688
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