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David Abalos Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Abalos
Sponsored by The Family.
Mary Tasker
June 8, 2025
I remember when I was teaching part time in the social work department and my friend Dick Scaine said I should sit in on a class taught by David.
I did and I was stunned by his brilliant teaching, and I became quite good friends with David. Everything I learned from him stays with me to this day.
Steve Elsman
October 22, 2024
Doc Abalos was my most dear professor at Seton Hall. I took 3 of his summer sessions at La Universidad de las Americas in Puebla in the early 80's and met my to-be wife on one of the trips. I was saddened to learn today of his passing. R.I.P. Doc.
Pics represent Studious and Fun Doc during Mexico '82
Dave Corbin
October 13, 2024
I was speaking to my brother today about our ancestry and decided to google David Abalos's books. I then saw this Obituary on him and thought I would share my memories of him since he is my Uncle and my mother's youngest brother.
As a young child, I remember my Uncle David as a kind and caring man. He had decided to go into the Seminary and sent me literature while he was there. Maybe he thought I would be interested. After leaving the Seminary, which wasn't for him, he fell in love and married his forever wife. After moving from Michigan to New Jersey, he and his family would drive "home" almost yearly, which is not a short trip. Along with my mother's excitement to see him, I would share that anticipation. My mother shared with me that she was like a mother to her three younger brothers since her mother had leg problems and wasn't agile.
As an adult, my contact with my Uncle David was limited. I did get to visit him at his home in New Jersey for the first time in 2016, and sadly, not again. During that visit, he mentioned his volunteer work with his hometown community and even got a call for some guidance while I was there. He truly was happy to be committed to helping those in need. A truly kind and caring man he was.
Shelley (Hopkins) Krayer
May 19, 2024
I was one of Dr. Abalos' students at Seton Hall University in the 1980s. I found his classes to be quite interesting and thought-provoking. He was one of my favorite professors, always having as kind word and a smile upon meeting. May he rest in peace.
Joshua Halpern
February 2, 2024
Imagining that David and Manfred Halpern are sharing a celebration together ~ somewhere among this cosmos of continuous creation.
Manfred considered David his most trusted colleague, ally, and best friend, and David was vital in publishing Manfred's Theory of Transformation magnum opus.
This is Joshua Halpern, Manfred's son, and today would've been father's 100th birthday. It seems David also passed on my birthday, Jan 8, 2022.
I do know that myself, my family, and all of Manfred's students far and wide are grateful for the perseverance of David's thoughtfulness and generosity, and we send all our love and appreciation to David's family.
Mirella Bianchini
November 26, 2023
I just found out and my heart goes out to the family. I knew Dr Abalos from when I was a child, being friends with Veronica. Such a great man. I´m so very sorry to know he has passed. My sincere condolences to the family.
Viviana Morales-Burgess
November 5, 2023
Unfortunately.... The Morales family just found out about David´s passing.....
On behalf of our family.... We send our condolences and prayers....
David and my father Frank were a the true definition of brothers...
I know that they are together right now now..... not only laughing and enjoying each other´s company.... But they are also our guardian angels... not just for our families... but for the Latin community.
Maria
October 26, 2023
John (Dan) I am sorry that you are just learning about Dr. Abalos´ passing. I had the honor on working with Dr. Abalos to advance the needs of the Latino students at Seton Hall University. He and Celia were the kindest and most supportive to our community. I have had months to deal with his passing but still have a hard time knowing he is no longer with us. I am forever proud to have worked with him and feel blessed to call him a friend.
John (Dan) Eades
October 25, 2023
I am extremely proud to have been an editor who published a number of David's books. He was a profound thinker and a marvelous human being. I just discovered his passing this evening as I consulted several of his books and decided to check up on him. I want to send my sympathies to Celia and his family. I have long been retired from publishing, but his books are among the few that I am proudest to have had a share in bringing to the world.
Anna P `92
June 24, 2023
I just found about Professor Abalos´ passing. My sincerest condolences. Our world is diminished by his loss. I will always credit his class at Princeton for helping me to find my place there. He told me I could be at Princeton without being of Princeton. A critical eye combined with the sense of belonging were gifts from that class that I have taken into all areas of my life. There are no adequate words of thanks for those gifts. As a living tribute I carry professor Abalos´ teachings with me and offer them to others.
Mellie Torres
February 26, 2023
one of my favorite professors are the Hall. He had a heart of gold for us.
Mark Donnelly
January 14, 2023
I first met David Abalos when I was an undergraduate at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ in the early 1970s. I was introduced to David by Jody Farrell, who at the time was engaged to my roommate Ken Zaleski. I took David's course "The Sociology of Religion" in the fall of 1971 during my senior year. We became friends. David already had a reputation on campus as being one of the conciliators in the aftermath of the campus riot in May of 1970 following the shootings at Kent State. I really liked David's class. It was open and freeing, which was important in lifting the repression and oppression of my Catholic upbringing in the 1950s and 1960s in school (from 1st grade through 12th grade), at home and in church on Sundays. I kept in touch with David through the mid-1970s through Ken Zaleski, but then Ken moved to Alabama with his wife Fara (the engagement to Jody had blown up by 1972). I learned that David eventually relocated to Princeton and taught at Princeton Theological Seminary. I remember how happy he'd been at Seton Hall about getting his PhD at Princeton Theological. David was a good friend and one of the best professors I ever studied with, if not the best. I wish his family much sympathy. David touched the lives of many people at Seton Hall. I am proud to say I was one of those people. I deeply value the friendship I had with David and my experience as one of his students.
David Cordero
January 7, 2023
Celia y Familia, as the 1st year anniversary of Dr. Abalos' passing arrives, I am reminded of all his kindness to many people, friends, fellow educators and especially to students from Seton Hall University.
Dr. Abalos was always available and ensured that the students understood many of life's lessons without having to endure the immediate struggles. But he kindly reminded us that we would struggle but that we needed to be prepared.
He did his part to prepare many generations, both before me and after my time at The Hall.
I will always remember you Celia, Davia and your Family for always welcoming me, my family and so many families into your lives and for ALL that both of your shared with us.
We pray for You, your family and also as Frank Morales' Anniversary is just a few days away, we kindly remember him and his family on his Anniversary.
David and Frank were the "One" "Two" punch at Seton Hall that helped to move many causes and efforts for not only the Latino Students, but for all students and hence the University.
We will always remember them and keep them in our prayers.
David Cordero
Class of 85' BA Communications
Friend of Family
Margie Lopez
January 6, 2023
One year after his death and the memory of this wonderful human being lives on. May he rest in peace.
Margie & Felix Lopez
mary anne kelly
November 20, 2022
Celia, I just learned of David's death in January and I am so sorry. I loved him very much. He inspired me and I know he tried to save me. He had such a big heart and wanted to help everyone. I had hoped we could stay in touch throughout our entire lives, but it just wasn't meant to be. Do you remember the times you and David came to the house in Plfd? Remember when you, David, Sara and I attended the first Earth Day at Princeton U.? You had a nice birthday barbecue for my mom on July 4, 1970. You tried so hard to help me with my Spanish. I will never forget so many good times with you and David. He was one of the finest people I have ever known. The world isn't the same without him. Please take care, and if you want to talk ever, you will find me..
Mark Donnelly
April 9, 2022
My deepest sympathies to David's family. He was my favorite professor at Seton Hall University and a true friend. I had mentioned to David in class - The Sociology of Religion - about my excitement and joy at having just read Harpo Marx's autobiography, "Harpo Speaks." David suggested I give a presentation in class about the book, which I gladly did. It was a wonderful experience. Also, David brought into class a visual artist who lived locally - Greg Hildebrandt - who shared paintings of his dreams. They were fantastic. Greg and his brother, Tim, were later famous as the Brothers Hildebrandt. They did the original movie poster for the first Star Wars movie. They also painted images for the Lord of the Rings calendars. This was several decades before the movies were made by Peter Jackson. David helped many of his students at Seton Hall University through his patience and understanding. He really listened and wanted to know you. David Abalos, R.I.P. Thank you for your friendship and mentorship. Love, Mark Donnelly
Mark Donnelly
April 9, 2022
I was a friend of David's from Seton Hall University in the early 1970s. I had him as a professor for a course that was a hybrid through the Religious Studies and Sociology departments in 1971-1972, but had already gotten to know him through my friends Jody Farrell and Ken Zaleski. I stayed in touch a little bit with David in the mid-1970s when I was working at West Orange Public Library and living in Orange. I moved out to Los Angeles in the 1980s, and then back to my hometown on Long Island in the 1990s. I have certainly thought of David over the years. He had a tremendous impact on me as a friend and professor. I called Seton Hall sometime in the 2000s and got contact information for him, but never followed through to reach out. I regret that now. He was a really terrific man. If there was ever an embodiment of a true humanitarian it was David. I met his wife and children once back in the 1970s at his home in South Orange -- the kids were just little back then. His wife was wonderful. I was so happy for David. He once said to me when I was feeling lonely how important human connection was. "People can die without hugs," David said. He was so right. I send out a spiritual hug to David in heaven and hugs to his family. David made the world a better place by his friendship, his teaching, and his example. My deepest sympathies. Mark Donnelly
Jason VanDeWalle
March 21, 2022
Sending love to the Abalos family and my fellow SHU family. I had the honor of being the 2nd student in my family taught by Dr. Abalos. My cousin was the 1st, I was the 2nd, my sister was the 3rd. All our lives were gifted and enriched by Dr. Abalos, as a teacher, a role-model, and a great person to spend time with. In my first class with Dr. Abalos I formed a bond with 2 life-long friends. I have heard similar SHU stories, about groups of friends forming around Dr. Abalos, and I am certain it was one of his many gifts. We thank you Dr. Abalos! My family & friends have never stopped talking about your lessons of Transformation!! We miss you!
Joseph Diskin
February 25, 2022
My favorite professor ever at Seton Hall.
Paula R. Zaccone, Ed.D., MCHES-r
February 10, 2022
I did not know of David's passing. I went on the internet to search his where-abouts. May he rest in well deserved peace. (SHU)
Jose Luis Enchautegui
January 24, 2022
Heart breaking. The world has lost a gem. I still have all his books with notes in them from class and can sincerely say Dr. Abalos helped mold who I am. My sincerest condolences and warmth to the family.
Jose Antonio Adames
January 24, 2022
It's with profound sadness that I read about David's passing. I met David as a freshman at Seton Hall nearly 49 years ago. He was my mentor and friend. I will miss him.
Jose Adames
Grissele Camacho
January 22, 2022
My sincere sympathy to Celia and family. When my sister & I were looking for a home aid to help care for our parents David helped us find wonderful ladies who treated my parents very well. Those ladies shared with me how David was so kind and helpful to the immigrant population in the Hightstown area. May this good man rest peacefully.
Felix and Margie Lopez
January 22, 2022
We are so sorry for the loss of David. Just found out yesterday. We will always remember him not for his many accomplishments but for the kind and gentle person he was. We will always remember when he gallantly accompanied Felix into an unknown area while in the DR. We are so grateful
for his recommendations when we needed help with the care of our elderly parents. He will always be in our good memories.
Maria Guadiana
January 18, 2022
David was my next door neighbor on 18th St in Detroit. Later he became my catechism teacher when I was a teenager. He taught me about some of the mysteries of Prayer and provided me with a deeper understanding about how the Lord uses and answers our prayers in ways beyond expectations. Rest in peace dear friend and neighbor.
Gloria y Freddy Enríquez
January 16, 2022
Siempre lo recordaremos Dr. David Abalos porque siempre le dio le dio Prioridad a su comunidad. Gracias a Dios por prestarnos este ser humano tan maravilloso y a su familia (Esposa é hijos) por haberlo compartido con nosotros. Descanse en Paz. .
Terri Richardella
January 16, 2022
The Richardella family sends their deepest condolences to the Abalos family.
Alfredo, Evelyn and Cuevas´s family
January 16, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
(Que viva la raza)
Jasmin Capella
January 14, 2022
My condolences to the family.
Dr. Abalos,
I think of you, see your smile, feel your guiding hand and hear your words of wisdom. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and so many others at Seton Hall. You were our champion..... siempre adelante.
Montanez Maria
January 13, 2022
I met Dr. Abalos and Celia over 40 years ago. He left a lifelong impression. He was a passionate educator who worked to improve our world. My condolences to Celia and his family. Sending love.
Edward "Ned" McGlynn
January 13, 2022
Met David at my church's young adult group (Maplewood, NJ) in mid-late 1960s. No better person and professor, in my opinion. RIP Dr. Abalos.
Lola Eato
January 13, 2022
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Please remember that God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) The kindest of thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
David Cordero y Familia
January 13, 2022
Dr. Abalos & Celia became very good friends to our Family and many students and Family at Seton Hall. They both always had a kind word, a warm embrace and honest and very supportive advice to all.
I will always remember ALL that you, Celia, and many others at Seton Hall did, offered, attempted and succeeded in doing for so many.
On behalf of my Family, friends, fellow Seton Hall Alumni that know Dr. Abalos, Celia and their family - we say "Gracias por su apóyo"
Bendiciones a sú familia y gracias por los recuerdos.
VC - México 84
Pastor Robert M. Wilson
January 13, 2022
To Celia & Family: You have my deepest condolences. Praying God's comfort and strength. Blessings and Peace.
Ralph Dellanno
January 13, 2022
My deepest condolences. David was one of the most influential and memorable teachers I had the honor of experiencing at Seton Hall. His legacy lives on in so many ways that I teach my Theology classes to this day.
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