Donald R Abramovitz (1942 - 2023)

Born 28 Sep 1942 in Purdy Missouri

Died 26 Apr 2023 at age 80 in Bridgeton Missouri

• Don's Obituary

Abramovitz, Donald R. “Don” age 80 a longtime resident of Bridgeton Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 of complications from cancer. Don was born at home in Purdy Missouri on September 28th, 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 age 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), were he earned the rank of Electricians Mate (E5), second class and performed the duties of Master Electrician. The 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 gained employment at McDonnell Aircraft corporation in St. Louis Missouri. Don married Illa Jean Leonard of Pierce City Missouri on April 4th, 1964 at 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 at Creve Coeur Fire Protection District, he was instrumental in keeping the fire apparatus in meticulous condition. Don could repair ANYTHING! He attended numerous educational conferences and assisted in countless training activities. In 1989, Don was instrumental in creating and serving on the St. Louis County Hazardous Material Response Team. This team responded to hazardous material situations and provided protection during the Presidential Debates, two World Series, the Allstar Game and the Papal visit in St. Louis. He was a valuable, knowledgeable, and integral member of the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District.

Don became certified in HVAC and started a private company with his next-door neighbor and continued on his own well into his retirement working for neighbors and close friends. He was always available to those in need, especially on a cold winter’s night.

Don was an avid boater and water skier all his life, having spent many hours 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 that knew Don know that he was usually 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 grandsons Christopher, Matthew, and Conner, one 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 numerous lifelong friends.

Papa Don will be missed.

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