Anthony Abraham, one of CNEWA’s most loyal friends, died on 21 October 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Miami, Florida, of natural causes.
Mr. Abraham’s association with CNEWA goes back some 50 years, beginning with his friendship with Archbishop Joseph T. Ryan, CNEWA’s national secretary from 1960 to 1965.
The son of Lebanese immigrants and a devout Maronite Catholic, Mr. Abraham selflessly and generously supported CNEWA’s mission over the years with his time, energy and financial resources.
Through his Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, he has supported numerous humanitarian institutions in his ancestral land, including two orphanages, St. Vincent Créche in Beirut and Our Lady of Lebanon in Batroun. Nearer to home, he helped St. Ann Maronite Church in Troy, New York, by renovating the church and building a parish hall and rectory.
His foundation has also donated millions of dollars to charitable organizations, such as Camillus House, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, America’s Second Harvest, Miami Children’s Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Catholic Charities.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, the self-made entrepreneur and philanthropist celebrated his 100th birthday on 25 February 2011.
As a child, he vowed, “If by the grace of God I ever could, I would feed the poor and help the sick.” He more than made good on that promise.
May God reward Anthony Abraham for his generosity and loving concern. May his memory be eternal.