ABRAHAM, David Paul
September 24, 1940 - January 19, 2021
With profound sadness we announce the passing of David Paul Abraham, peacefully on January 19, 2021, in his 81st year. Dave was born on September 24, 1940, in Hamilton, Ontario, the only child of Darvish J. Abraham and Helen M. Abraham (née Stoinoff). He lived in Hamilton for the first twelve years of his life, and the family moved to Welland in 1952, where Dave attended Notre Dame College School. After graduating in 1958, Dave attended the State University of New York at Buffalo, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1964, a Teacher's Certificate from the Ontario College of Education, and eventually his Master of Education degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1970.
In 1966, Dave took up his first teaching position at Eastdale Secondary School in Welland. In February 1966, Dave met his wife Donna (née Shareski) on a blind date, and they were engaged by October, marrying in August 1967 in Morden, Manitoba, Donna's hometown. That same year, Dave became a founding faculty member in the Mathematics Division at the newly-opened Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology in Welland. At Niagara, Dave volunteered as the first men's volleyball coach and continued to coach from 1967 to 1978. He was the colour commentator for college hockey games for the local cable channel for many years. Dave was appointed and then elected by the faculty to be the first faculty representative to sit on the Niagara College Board of Governors from 1978 to 1992. Active in the local of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Dave was a highly respected professor at Niagara until his retirement in 1998. Dave's colleagues at Niagara, many of whom remained close friends with him for over fifty years, remember him as a skilled, supportive, and compassionate colleague.
Dave was a devoted husband to Donna and a doting father to his two daughters, Tara and Sara Jane. He delighted in taking his family on summer road trips, pulling the trailer across the eastern United States and Canada. We remember with fondness the ski trips to New York with family friends. Dave instilled in his daughters a deep sense of empathy for others, inquisitiveness about the world, generosity, and a great sense of fun. He was a formidable poker player, a golfer, a jazz enthusiast, an avid sports fan, a dog lover, and a vocal critic of injustice. Dave enjoyed travelling and had a sense of adventure and marvel at the world's history. In their retirement years, Dave and Donna travelled with their close friends, and spent many winter respites in Portugal and Florida. Dave was a loving and proud grandfather to Jackson, Julian, and Martha, and enjoyed many trips, celebrations, dinners, and outings with them over the years.
Despite numerous health setbacks, particularly this past year, Dave's spirit never wavered, and he remained as sharp, charming, and as witty as always. Our family is grateful for a lovely late summer evening we spent with him in September sharing a meal outdoors for his 80th birthday, doing what he loved—laughing, eating good food, and sharing a drink. Dave lived life on his own terms, independently until only very recently. Over the years he made many friends and had a profound impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Dave was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, Donna, and his parents Darvish and Helen Abraham. He is survived by his daughters Tara Abraham (Joseph Doane) and Sara Jane Ryan (Brendan), his grandchildren Jackson Ryan, Julian Doane, and Martha Doane, his dear Aunt Jo Ann Stenoff, his brothers-in-law Arni Shareski and Elmo Shareski, as well as many beloved cousins, friends, former colleagues, and family.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and PSWS on 3 South at the Welland General Hospital as well as the ICU staff at St Catharines General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.
As per his wishes, Dave was cremated on January 22, 2021. Because of the restrictions we face with the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of his life will take place at a later date.
Donations in Dave's memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to an animal welfare organization of your choice.
Please share your condolences and words of comfort with the family at
www.pleasantviewcemetery.ca