Ellis W. (Abe) Abrams, 85, of Salem, N.H., and formerly of Hampstead, N.H., and Haverhill, passed away on July 4 surrounded by his loving family.
Abrams was the son of William E. and Opal (Wilson) Abrams. He was born in Lovington, Ill., and raised in Carlisle, Ind. He worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a lineman and then served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion. His time in the service sent him to assist in restoring communications in Massachusetts after Hurricane Carol where he met his loving wife of 62 years, Claire M. (DeVeau) Abrams.
Abrams graduated from Lowell Technical College and was employed as a machinist at AVCO Corporation/Textron where he worked on several projects for the NASA Apollo Space Program. He was also employed at Beebe Rubber Company and as a bus driver for the Timberlane Bus Company. Moving in 1984 to his beloved lake home on Big Island Pond in Hampstead, N.H., Abrams spent many years enjoying lake living and sharing his piece of paradise with all of his family and friends. He loved hosting large summer gatherings, especially on the Fourth of July, and was “the life of the party.” He took pride in designing and building his own pontoon boat, the first one on the lake. When not at home, Abrams spent his retirement years traveling with his wife in their motorhome visiting family, friends and gaining more friends along the way. He was also able to spend several winters in Hawaii at their daughter’s home.
Abrams leaves his wife of 62 years Claire M. (DeVeau) Abrams, three daughters Maryetta and husband Michael Sciuto of Makawao, Hawaii, Diana and her husband Daniel C. Elsemiller of Haverhill, Cynthia and husband George Amidon of Wilmington, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son William J. Abrams; brothers Donald Abrams, David Abrams, sisters Joyce Dooley and Anna May Spencer.
His family wishes to send a special thank you to the caring staff at the Residence at Salem Woods and Brookhaven Hospice. Donations in his memory can be sent to Greater Salem Caregivers, 44 Millville St., Salem, NH 03079.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, July 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery, John Ward Avenue, Haverhill.