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Samuel Abrash Obituary
For more than 30 years, Sam was passionate about teaching and mentoring his students at the University of Richmond. Nothing made him happier than seeing them succeed. He was known for his long list of eye-rolling Dad jokes and word plays. Sam lived surrounded by books, movies and music. He began playing the acoustic guitar later in life, and brought joy to many by playing folk songs at assisted living facilities around town. He loved his years of coaching Little League Baseball and teaching Contra dance workshops and treasured the friendships he made through them.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 20, at 11 a.m. in Hollywood Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Abrash
Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Homes Central Chapel - Richmond.
Erni Davis Fields
December 19, 2024
Sam was the kindest, most caring friend I remember in all our years together in the Montclair school and community. It was wonderful to reconnect with him on social media. I even tried some of his recipes. My sincere condolences on the loss of such an incredible man, husband, father, sibling and friend. The world is truly a little dimmer.
Sincerely, Erni Davis Fields
Erni Davis Fields
October 4, 2023
Sam and I knew each other for 50 years. We went through middle and high school together. He was funny, kind and had a wonderful objective view of the world. He was absolutely one of the nicest people I remember from Montclair. Katherine, Elizabeth and Ross I am so sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories you have bring you comfort. I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was a great man. The world just got colder. Wow.
Janet Waldeck
September 3, 2023
I was lucky enough to be a classmate of Sam's at the University of Chicago where we both studied chemistry, and then in California where we were in chemistry graduate programs. Sam was incredibly kind. I always felt like he was a good friend and I regret not reaching out earlier.
Tom Kulp
August 20, 2023
Sam and I were chemistry classmates at the U of Chicago class of 1981. I just read the notice of his passing in the alumni mag and needed to write something about him. I became acquainted with Sam in my 4th year there, a when we were taking some grueling PChem classes. I was a late switch to chemistry and had not really become part of the chem student "group". I think he sensed this and really reached out to bring me in. This was a really important thing to me in becoming comfortable in chemistry and moving on to grad school. I had some good times with him going to Chinatown for great food or trying some of Sam´s creations (he loved to cook, as do I, and informed me that this was a trait of chemists). Of all the folks I knew there, he was one of those that came to mind most often since - simple gestures can have large effects - I just regret not having contacted him since.
Amanda Frischmann
March 30, 2023
Dr. Abrash was my PI, professor, and simply an incredible human. He believed in me when I was at my biggest point of self doubt and it probably changed the course of my entire career.
His heart was huge. I have a rare chronic illness and he was the only teacher to ever ask about it and to send me home to rest when he could see I was struggling to get through class.
I was so lucky to be in his research group. I´ll always remember going to lunch with him every Friday in the summers and watching the old black and white films he loved so much.
He saw the beauty in everyday life and understood the quantum universe in ways few people do. His impact in this world will be deeply missed but surely not forgotten.
Gwen Herzog Leech
February 21, 2023
Katherine,
So sorry that you lost your husband. Though I didn´t know him, he seemed very accomplished and too young to leave his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dorothy White
February 21, 2023
Dear Katherine and Elizabeth,
I just learned about Sam. I am so sorry. May each of you find comfort in precious, priceless memories. Dorothy
Allan Levenberg and Paula Phipps
February 21, 2023
The Levenberg/Phipps family is sad to hear of Sam's passing. We loved and admired Sam's presence in Richmond's music and dance community and fondly remember all his contributions to that world. We offer our condolences to Sam's family.
Cindy Coleman
February 20, 2023
My condolences to Katherine and family. I have many happy memories of dancing with Sam, listening to his jokes and stories. He brought a lot of laughter and music into the world.
Carol Losee
February 20, 2023
Dear Katherine: So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear, Sam. Bruce and I want to express our condolences to you and your family.
Kristen Elofson
February 19, 2023
Dr. Abrash was one of the kindest and most supportive professors I ever had. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, encouraged me to go to graduate school, and he was there for me during my career path change. I loved our talks about chemistry, guitar, food, and life, and watching him perform at the Cellar. I will miss him dearly.
May you and yours find peace in the memories shared. My heart goes out to his friends and family.
Jasmine Feng
February 19, 2023
Dr. Abrash was such a kind and giving person. I loved getting to know him through his wonderful stories, his amazing cooking and his warm heart. He always welcomed me into his home and was such an amazing guitarist and singer. I loved jamming out with him! I always looked forward to seeing him in around in the Gottwald atrium, it made my day. My condolences go out to his family who I know loved him very much.
Barbara Sipe
February 19, 2023
Dear Katherine and family,
I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your love and cherished memories carry you through your grief.
Barbara Sipe
David Vincent
February 19, 2023
Brother Sam was a Master Mason and member of Midlothian Lodge No. 211, A.F. & A.M. Our condolences to Sam's family and friends.
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