Paul F. Abel

Paul F. Abel
January 19, 2012

Paul F. Abel, 93, formerly of Westvale passed away Thursday at home. Paul received his Bachelor and Masters Degree in Voice from Syracuse University and taught there for one year. He retired from the US Navy as a pilot after completing 22 years of service with a rank of Commander. He also was a Captain and Pilot for Eastern Airlines for 32 years and was in Who's Who in Aviation. He was past president of the Miami and New York City Chapters of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and has been an active voice teacher for many years. He was previously organist and choir director at St. Charles Church. He and his wife Veronica had long been a part of the Syracuse musical scene. They shared a voice and piano studio in Coral Gables, FL, New York City and Syracuse. They returned to Syracuse in 1980 and were members of the Central New York Association of Music Teachers from whom they received an award and gift for their contribution to the art of teaching. They have also received the Tiffany Award from Civic Morning Musicals for outstanding service to music, and from Westhill School for their contribution to the community. Paul was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Veronica in 2009 and his son, Michael.

Survivors: his daughters, Theresa Homan, Sherry Abel, Lynette (Michael) Abel-Palmer; sons, Paul Kevin Abel, James (JG) Abel; extended family, Patricia Morse and David Sage; 20 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 9:30 a.m. Monday at Tindall Funeral Home and 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. Calling hours will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, 1921 W Genesee St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Civic Morning Musicals, The Paul and Veronica Abel Choral Award, c/o Sally Gould, 124 Victoria Pl., Syracuse, NY 13210.