Thomas Abramovich

THOMAS ABRAMOVICH

Age 94, born on Halloween in 1924, passed away peacefully May 28, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Beloved husband of the late Irene (nee Charvat) married in 1948 and the late Fran Tedesco married in 1990; DEAREST FATHER of Nicholas (Irene), Terry (Lynne), Donna Waters (Barry), Shirley Harper (Matthew) and Ron (Janice); DEVOTED GRANDFATHER of Karen Caggiano (Timothy), Libby (Donald), Gregory, Bob (Caitlin), Andrew (Chelsea), Jillian Pearce (Jacob), Amy Waters, Angela Gruver (Matthew), Matthew Harper, Steven Harper, Dylan and Abbie; GREAT GRANDFATHER of Lily and twins Ellie & Addie; BELOVED BROTHER of Florence Klimas, Alice Mokris and Lydia Baker (deceased).

Tom was the first of the Abramovich generation born in the United States.  His mother, Pauline (Pavlukovich) and father Nikta Abramowitz were born in Russia. Pauline migrated to the U.S. in 1911 when she was 8 years old. Pauline’s father, Justine Pavlukovich, came to the US in 1910, went back to Russia and then returned with his wife Anastasia (Lodzich) and Pauline. They traveled to Baltimore, Butler, PA and settled in Cleveland.

Tom’s dad, Nikta, and his brother David, migrated to the U.S. when they were 18 and 19 years old by going to Canada, Chicago and then to Cleveland. Pauline and Nikta were married in either Butler or Cleveland and then lived in Cleveland for the rest of their lives. Tom was the oldest and has three younger sisters - Florence, Lydia and Alice.

Tom graduated from John Adams High School in 1943. He was drafted in June 1943. Tom served his country in World War II in the US Navy Construction Battalions. He spent time in California, Philippines and China after the war. Returned to California and took a train back to Cleveland. He would have liked to be a school teacher but never went to college after the war and wanted to work with his hands.

He continued his work in construction for the City of Cleveland. He enjoyed many winters in Florida during his retirement years. Tom as a long time resident of Brecksville truly enjoyed all the beautiful flowers that were planted every year throughout the city and he grew amazing sunflowers and roses at his own house. 

Tom loved gardening – from the massive garden and orchard at his first home on Richmond Road in Warrensville Heights to his small fenced in garden in Brecksville.  He always challenged his best friend and next door neighbor Pat C. to see who could grow the best tomatoes!

He also loved the Brecksville Human Service Center - Tuesday breakfasts, Thursday lunches, pinochle, and all the wonderful staff.  These were big events in his weekly schedule!

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many people that helped with Tom’s care over the past several months - Holy Family Hospice, Home Instead, and especially Michelle D. who arrived every morning to take care of Tom – medically, physically and emotionally.

Friends will be received at Nosek-McCreery Funeral Home, 8150 Brecksville Rd., on Friday, May 31, 2019 from 3-8 p.m. with a Parastas Service at 7 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held at St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, 5025 Mill Rd., Broadview Heights on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 10 a.m. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at St Theodosius Cemetery.

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