Robert A. Abraham

LUTHERVILLE, Md. Family and friends mourn the loss of Robert A. Abraham, 79, who died unexpectedly in his home on February 3, 2005 in Lutherville. Dr. Abraham was born in Mahanoy City, Pa. and grew up in Reading, Pa. He received his B.S. degree from Franklin and Marshall College and his M.D. degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He began his medical practice in general medicine in Towson, Md. He entered the private practice of obstetric anesthesia in Baltimore and then in Albany, N.Y. before becoming the director of obstetric anesthesia, first at the Albany Medical Center (1964-1975), and then at the Johns Hopkins Hospital (1975-1986). At Hopkins, he was the first full-time director of obstetric anesthesia. Having earned the respect of his colleagues and students, he was awarded Teacher of the Year several times, was published in his field and held the appointment of associate professor emeritus at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine. He retired in Baltimore with his wife of 49 years, June Lazzell Abraham, who predeceased him in 2000. He is survived by his aunt, Ethyl Auman; his sister, Jane Kerper, both of Wyomissing, Pa; his brother, Dr. James F. Abraham of Sinking Spring, Pa.; his children, Dr. John David Abraham of Albany, N.Y., Mark A. Abraham of Satellite Beach, Fla., Margaret A. Jones of Wilmington, Del. and Howard A. Abraham of Baltimore, Md.; and five grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A simple, private graveside burial service with family only will be held on February 17, 2005 in Pa. In a rare honor, Hopkins created the Robert A. Abraham Endowed Lectureship in Obstetric Anesthesia. Because of his love for and accomplishments in medicine, his family requests that those wishing to honor him may do so by contributing to the Robert A. Abraham Endowed Lectureship, c/o Dr. Andrew Harris, Meyer 297, the Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287.