Obituary | Donald R. “Don” Abramovitz of Bridgeton, Missouri

[ad_1]

Abramovitz, Donald R. “Don” age 80 a longtime resident of Bridgeton Missouri, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023 of complications from cancer. Don was born at home in Purdy Missouri on September 28, 1942 to Sarah Julia (Ankweicz) Abramovitz and Frank M. Abramovitz. Don attended Henneman School, in Barry County Missouri from grades 1-8. After graduation, he worked with his father doing carpentry and electrical work.

At the age of 18, Don entered the Navy in 1959. He completed his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training station in Waukegan (North Chicago) Illinois. Don was assigned to duty on the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14), where he earned the rank of Electricians Mate (E5), second class and performed the duties of a Master Electrician. USS Ticonderoga was very active in the Vietnam War earning three Navy Unit Commendations, one Meritorious Unit Commendation, and twelve battle stars.

After completing his enlistment term in 1963 he got a job at the McDonnell Aircraft corporation in St. Louis Missouri. Don married Illa Jean Leonard of Pierce City Missouri on April 4, 1964 in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Pulaskifield, Missouri.

In 1965, Don joined the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District, where he rose from the rank of Private to Assistant Fire Chief, finally retiring in 2012 (47 years). During his time with the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District, he was instrumental in keeping the fire apparatus in critical condition. Don can fix anything! He has attended many educational conferences and assisted in countless training activities. In 1989, Don was instrumental in creating and serving St. Louis County Hazardous Material Response Team. This team responded to dangerous material situations and provided protection during the Presidential Debates, two World Series, the Allstar Game and the Papal visit to St. Louis. He is a valued, knowledgeable, and valuable member of the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District.

Don became certified in HVAC and started a private company with his neighbor and continued on his own until his retirement working for neighbors and close friends. He was always available to those in need, especially on cold winter nights.

Don was an avid boater and water skier his entire life, spending time with his wife Illa, family and friends on Table Rock Lake where they owned a condo for 21 years near Kimberling City Missouri. For those who know Don, know that he can usually be found in his happy place tinkering in his garage.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Frank M Abramovitz, his mother Sarah Julia Abramovitz, his older sister Bernice M. (Abramovitz) Howerton.

Don is survived by his wife Illa Jean (Leonard) Abramovitz of Bridgeton Missouri, his son Jason L. Abramovitz, wife Carrie A. (Hall) Abramovitz and three grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, and Conner, a brother James (Jim) Abramovitz and wife Gloria S. (Harvey) Abramovitz of Springfield Missouri, two nieces Jenifer J. Roberts of Springfield Missouri, and Alissa D. Haselhorst, of Canton Georgia and one nephew Mark S. Howerton of Spokane Missouri, along with many lifelong friends.

Papa Don will be missed.

Services: Funeral service at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road in Holloway, Ballwin, Tuesday, May 2, at 11:30 am Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Visitation Monday, May 1, from 4-8 pm Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

[ad_2]