Arthur Abelson

1947 - 2025

Arthur Abelson
11/08/1947 - 09/15/2025
Arthur Rolfe Abelson passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2025, surrounded by family, facing a beloved sunny bay view, and listening to his favorite music.
Art was born on November 8, 1947, in Stockholm, Sweden, and adopted by Sydney and Bertha Abelson of Chicago.
After quickly advancing through high school, Art started at the University of Illinois at just 16, where he made close friendships that lasted a lifetime.
After several years of traveling and teaching at a Chicago high school, Art enrolled in law school at Northwestern University. Upon graduating, he moved to California to teach at UC Berkeley School of Law, then joined the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office. He later returned to teaching, this time at the University of San Francisco School of Law, supervising students in the criminal law clinic. From there, Art worked at a law firm in Oakland, and eventually opened his own practice in San Leandro. Art loved the intellectual challenge of law, but even more, he loved helping his clients through difficult times.
In 1981, Art met his soulmate, Janice Brickley, and they married a year and a half later. They settled in Piedmont, where they raised their two beautiful daughters, Kara and Jessica. Being a father was Art's greatest joy. He played and laughed endlessly with his girls, coached their teams, helped them with homework, and celebrated every milestone. He took tremendous pride in their accomplishments and in the incredible human beings and mothers they have become.
Art lived a rich and adventurous life. His passion for travel took him to over 30 countries. Art and Janice especially enjoyed international biking and hiking trips with dear friends. He loved tennis, golf, and spending time in nature.
Ten years ago, Art connected with his maternal birth family in Sweden. Although his birth mother was deceased, he formed an immediate bond with his half-sister, aunt, and two cousins that will live on with his wife and daughters.
Those who knew Art will remember his sharp wit, intelligence, humor, and warmth. He was endlessly curious, optimistic, and deeply kind, even while facing the challenges of Lewy Body Dementia.
Art is survived by his wife Janice, daughters Kara Abelson (Luke Bowman) and Jessie Abelson (Jon Truskier), grandchildren Hannah, Sam, Cole, and Nathan, and sisters Janet Kowall and Lena Naslund. He is also survived by his in-laws, "outlaws," and nieces and nephews who will be sure to keep the "Uncle Art dance" alive at every family gathering.
Donations in honor of Art can be made to KQED or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.