ROBERT ABRAMS

ABRAMS--Robert E. Robert E. Abrams died peacefully on August 28th at his home in North Salem, New York, at the age of eighty. He is survived by his beloved wife Cynthia Vance-Abrams, adored children Joshua (Larissa), Daniel (Katrina), Jordana (Scott Snider), Benjamin (Melissa "echo" Greenlee), and Nathaniel, and cherished grandchildren Lucas, Spencer, Susanna, Lily, Penelope, Naomi, Ezra, Asher, and Jonah. Bob graduated from Ethical Culture Fieldston School in 1961, Harvard College in 1965, and Harvard Business School in 1969. He was a lifelong student, and his fierce intelligence and deep curiosity were evident in all he did. He also was an accomplished athlete, leading the football, swim, and track and field teams at Fieldston. At Harvard, he was on the undefeated heavyweight JV crew team, rowing for the legendary Harry Parker. Bob was the visionary founder and president of Abbeville Press, the publishing house he established in 1977 with his late father, Harry N. Abrams. With Abbeville, Bob secured his family's publishing legacy in fine art and illustrated books. From the monumental Vatican Frescoes of Michelangelo and a full-size facsimile of the original Double Elephant Folio edition of John James Audubon's Birds of America to the best-selling Expectant Father, delightful Tiny Folio collection, and hundreds of gorgeous volumes in between, by the 1990s Abbeville became one of the country's most admired illustrated-book publishers. Even as the firm grew, Bob maintained a personal involvement with many, if not most, of its titles. His editorial insights and unerring eye are hallmarks of Abbeville's output. Colleagues and friends alike can attest that stepping into Bob's office was stepping into a lively, sometimes hours-long conversation that reflected his wide-ranging interests--art, books, politics, economics, current affairs, history, society, and culture were invariably part of the dialogue. Ever kind, thoughtful, imaginative, and generous, Bob was an instinctive mentor to family members, authors, employees, friends, and even occasional strangers. Above all, Bob's greatest passion throughout his life was his family. He will be dearly missed by each of them and all else who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing. There will be a celebration of Bob's life on Friday, October 6th, at 10:00am at Central Synagogue, 652 Lexington Avenue, New York City. Gifts in Bob's memory may be made to NYU Langone Health online at http://giving.nyulangone.org/ goto/reamemorialfund or by mail: NYU Langone Health, Attn: Mary McQuillen, One Park Avenue, 5th Floor, NY, NY 10016, 917-227-0693 or mary.mcquillen@ nyulangon e.org.