A. EDWARD "ABE" WILEN

WILEN A. EDWARD "ABE"
A. Edward "Abe" Wilen, a former WWII POW, died on October 12, 2012 in Boca Raton, FL. He was 91. Abe grew up in Long Island, NY. After attending the CCNY for a year , he had to drop out and moved to Monessen, PA, to work for a relative. He completed his bachelor's degree 14 years later at Pitt by attending college at night while working full-time. Soon after Pearl Harbor was bombed, he enlisted and became a B-24 combat navigator in the 453rd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. His Operations Officer was movie star Jimmy Stewart, with whom he established a bond during and after the war. On his 20th combat mission, Abe was shot down, captured and spent a year as a POW. One camp was Stalag Luft III, where the movie "The Great Escape" took place. First Lieutenant Wilen's World War II experiences have been documented in the Library of Congress Veteran's History Project, on television's "War Stories with Oliver North" and in museums, articles and books. After the war, Abe returned to Monessen, PA, where he operated Eisenberg's Department Stores for over 40 years. He served in leadership roles for the Monessen Chamber of Commerce, Redevelopment Authority, Mon Valley Progress Council, Mon Valley Hospital, and was a member of Rotary (for 50 years), VFW, and American Legion. He was actively involved in the Jewish community where he served as a leader of Kneseth Israel Congregation, B'nai B'rith, Israel Bonds and UJA. He was also honored as Man of the Year by the State of Israel Bonds and B'nai B'rith. After retirement, he moved to Boca Raton, FL, where he enjoyed golfing and lecturing on World War II to school groups. Abe was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2009, three air medals, two purple heart medals and the POW medal. Abe was also a very charitable person. A beloved family man, Abe is survived by his wife, Janet of Boca Raton, FL; two sons, Ronald (Laura) of Bridgeville, PA, and Barry (Dr. Diane) of Hollywood, FL; five grandchildren, Lori (Angie) Wilen, Adam (Michelle) Wilen, Joshua (Sarah) Wilen, Jeffrey Wilen and Dr. Craig (Jessica) Wilen; sister, Hedda Denburg of Great Neck, NY; two great-granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Sylvia, to whom he was married for 42 years. The family requests that donations be sent to the Jewish National Fund, the Rotary Foundation, or the American Red Cross. Visitation will take place Wednesday, October 17, at 1 p.m. at Rhome Funeral Home, Grand Blvd., Monessen, PA. Services are at 2 p.m., followed by burial at Temple Beth Am Cemetery.
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