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Chistopher Abbasse Obituary
March 31, 1958 - April 25, 2016
Carrboro
Christopher Michael (Chris) Abbasse was born prematurely on March 31, 1958, so tiny he could fit in the cradle of his father's hand. Little did anyone know he would grow to be the tallest of Helen and Ahmed's four boys. Chris grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he graduated from East Kentwood High School and Aquinas College, but not before trying his hand at third-shift piece work at Steelcase and stamping as a UAW member at General Motors. He went on to earn graduate degrees from St. John's College (Annapolis) and UNC-Greensboro's School of Education. Most recently he was working toward a licensure in instructional technology at Appalachian State University.
From 1990 to 2006, Chris taught science and/or history at two schools in New York City: Rice High School where he served as Dean, and Frederick Douglass Academy, both in Harlem; and also in Wake County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. In 2006, he was appointed 'guybrarian' at Culbreth Middle School, his favorite job ever, which blended his love of books and technology of all kinds with creative teaching and learning opportunities.
Throughout his career as an educator, Chris was also a coach, mentor, and champion. He served as head coach or assistant coach for junior varsity and varsity basketball teams, many at the elite level; bowling; ultimate frisbee; golf; and many hardcore Battle of the Books teams. He loved playing golf himself, and reading, hiking, swimming and photography also made him happy.
His love of music was legendary. Chris listened to everything from gypsy jazz to soul to psychedelic rock to Middle Eastern classical to bluegrass and folk. He regularly played guitar and mandolin with his talented and fun-loving colleagues, and occasionally toured with his favorite band, Shakedown Street.
More than anything Chris loved his family, and he leaves behind his mother, Helen; brother Kevin and wife Linda; brother Darin and wife Dana; nieces Jaime Felber, Kirstyn Abbasse, and Claire Abbasse; nephew Joshua Abbasse; and an extended, loving, Lebanese clan of uncles, aunts, cousins and other kin. He was predeceased by his father, Ahmed, and brother, Randy, far too soon. He also leaves behind hundreds and hundreds of students from New York to North Carolina who were touched by his gifts, kindness and courage, and whom he loved with all his heart and mind. His many special friends are too numerous to list. You know who you are.
Services are planned in Grand Rapids, MI, in early May. A memorial service is being planned at Culbreth Middle School for later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be directed to the Music Maker Relief Foundation (www.music maker.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chistopher Abbasse
Shauna Martin
April 25, 2019
Salaam
Valerie Haskins
May 7, 2016
Valerie Haskins
May 7, 2016
Anonymous
May 4, 2016
I miss you so much! Fly away gentle giant, fly away...
Salaam
Shauna Martin
May 3, 2016
Mr. Abbasse, you will be missed! I greatly appreciated the support and enthusiasm you showed whenever I shared an idea with you. I will also miss hearing your greatest hits whenever I came into the library. Salaam.
May 3, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort through Gods word, the Bible, for he cares for us. (1Pet. 5:7)
Fiona Rae
May 2, 2016
You big knucklehead....why did you have to go and die so young. Will miss you so much! Your new/old Culbreth teacher friends will keep our social gatherings going and we will raise a glass in your honor every time. xoxo
John Debold
May 1, 2016
A few summers ago I spent a few weeks at an institute in Indiana on the topic of J.J. Audubon. It was there I met Chris. I discovered a fact well known among those who already knew Chris. He had a good and gentle heart, and an interest that spanned from one horizon to the other. Whenever he spoke of his students his face would light up and his voice became animated. It is not uncommon to meet someone with a passion for their vocation but with Chris the experience of such left one with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the chance to share his journey for a while. Add my voice to the chorus of condolence and thanksgiving. He will be missed.
Kimberly Alston
May 1, 2016
We will miss you.
Gretchen Westman
May 1, 2016
As one of Chris' fellow librarians, I'll remember him as a kind, genuine, thought-full and caring person who shared his remarkable insights and passion for his work with all of us. He will be greatly missed. Sending caring thoughts of comfort and healing to his family and friends.
Valerie Haskins
April 30, 2016
My heart and love go to the family of Chris, I am so sorry, heartbroken, over his death. He was the best friend. I think the Khalil Gibran quote says it well " When you are sorrowful look again in your heart and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
Love, Valerie
Valerie Haskins
April 30, 2016
To my friend Chris, you always gave me a smile.
Madanis
April 30, 2016
My heart goes out to the family during this most difficult time, for your deep loss. May you find comfort in prayer and gain strength knowing that God "hears your prayers - Jeremiah 29:12, 13 and that he feels your deepest pain - Zechariah 2:8
Vincent Campbell
April 30, 2016
I'm a 35 year old male who learns life lessons daily. I learned an important lesson through the passing of someone I can say was driven, passionate, and revered by many in his community; "give flowers to people while they are here to receive them." I should have thanked you and a ton of other faculty and staff for believing in me and giving me an opportunity when society wrote the members of our community off. Thank you for tough love, education, inspiration, humor, and exposure to "Mountain Dew - The Nectar of the Gods". Because of you, I know a little more about Science and History, and "I am Worthy". Thank You Mr. Abbasse!!!
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