1923
CHARLES
2011
CHARLES G. ABRAHAM
December 30, 1923 — May 21, 2011
Charles G. Abraham (1923-2011), beloved family patriarch and dedicated civic leader, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21, 2011 after a short illness, leaving a legacy of kindness and philanthropy.
The son of Syrian immigrants, Charles grew up in South Amherst, Ohio, one of 13 children. He proudly served his country in WWII as a gunnery instructor for the US Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant and received his honorable discharge in 1945. Returning to the Amherst area, Charles worked for several years at his brother’s auto dealership before moving to Garrettsville in 1957, where he established his own General Motors franchise, known today as Charles Auto Family.
For over 50 years, Charles proudly served generations of car buyers, whom he considered his extended family. In 1964, he and partner Max Everett developed Garfield Plaza and Garrettsville Cinema, a cornerstone of the retail business community and source of entertainment. His dedication to business and community led to service roles as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, United Way of Portage County, as well as serving on the board of Robinson Memorial Hospital Foundation, and board positions with the Ohio Auto Dealers Association (OADA).
His passion for civic and charitable causes included St. Ambrose Parish, Portage County Red Cross, Hattie Larlham Foundation, the Charles & Mary Abraham Scholarship Fund at Hiram College, Garrettsville Intermediate School Library, Knights of Columbus, Pilot Dog program for the Lions Club, Ravenna Elks, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. He gave financial support to the Garrettsville Police and Fire Departments, and provided Driver Education vehicles for the Garfield Schools.
An avid golfer and sportsman, Charles was preceded in death by Mary, his loving wife of 57 years, and 11 siblings.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Rich) Wanders, and son, Bruce (Cheryl) Abraham, four grandsons, three great-grandchildren; sister, Margie Joyce of Las Vegas and many loving nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 3-7 PM on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, Ohio 44231. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Wednesday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Garrettsville, Ohio 44231. Burial will be at Park Cemetery with full military honors.
The family suggests that contributions be made in Charlie's name to the Hattie Larlham Foundation or the Ravenna Red Cross.
The son of Syrian immigrants, Charles grew up in South Amherst, Ohio, one of 13 children. He proudly served his country in WWII as a gunnery instructor for the US Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant and received his honorable discharge in 1945. Returning to the Amherst area, Charles worked for several years at his brother’s auto dealership before moving to Garrettsville in 1957, where he established his own General Motors franchise, known today as Charles Auto Family.
For over 50 years, Charles proudly served generations of car buyers, whom he considered his extended family. In 1964, he and partner Max Everett developed Garfield Plaza and Garrettsville Cinema, a cornerstone of the retail business community and source of entertainment. His dedication to business and community led to service roles as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, United Way of Portage County, as well as serving on the board of Robinson Memorial Hospital Foundation, and board positions with the Ohio Auto Dealers Association (OADA).
His passion for civic and charitable causes included St. Ambrose Parish, Portage County Red Cross, Hattie Larlham Foundation, the Charles & Mary Abraham Scholarship Fund at Hiram College, Garrettsville Intermediate School Library, Knights of Columbus, Pilot Dog program for the Lions Club, Ravenna Elks, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. He gave financial support to the Garrettsville Police and Fire Departments, and provided Driver Education vehicles for the Garfield Schools.
An avid golfer and sportsman, Charles was preceded in death by Mary, his loving wife of 57 years, and 11 siblings.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Rich) Wanders, and son, Bruce (Cheryl) Abraham, four grandsons, three great-grandchildren; sister, Margie Joyce of Las Vegas and many loving nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 3-7 PM on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, Ohio 44231. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Wednesday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Garrettsville, Ohio 44231. Burial will be at Park Cemetery with full military honors.
The family suggests that contributions be made in Charlie's name to the Hattie Larlham Foundation or the Ravenna Red Cross.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of CHARLES G. ABRAHAM, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Ambrose Catholic Church
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