Paul F. Abel

Funeral Information

Home: Syracuse/formerly Westvale

Date of Death: January 19, 2012

Place of Birth: Syracuse, NY

Birthdate: February 07, 1918

Age: 93

Mass: Monday, January 23, 2012 10:00 AM St. Charles Borromeo Church, Syracuse, NY

Visitation: Sunday, January 22, 2012 2 to 5 p.m. at Tindall Funeral Home Inc., Syracuse, NY

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt, NY

Biography

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.

Candles

Steve Zumchak 2012-01-20 22:21:58

Mr. and Mrs. Abel were my first private voice teachers and helped get me, and everyone they worked with, where they are today. Paul was brilliant in all respects, as a musician, pilot, choral director and computer user. He always stayed on the cutting edge of the computer scene and often was the first person to have the latest equipment. He and his wife were two of the most caring, talented and truly gifted individuals you could ever meet, and I can only picture the heavenly choirs they are directing and accompanying now. God Bless You, Mr. Abel. You shall never be forgotten.

Diane Abel Fairbnk 2012-01-21 14:45:35

Kiss Mom and Dad for me.........they must be so happy to see you. I love you very much Diane

Carl Johengen 2012-01-21 19:09:04

Paul and Veronica were wonderful colleagues to me when I was a young professional musician in Syracuse in the early '90s. I fondly remember their kindness, professionalism, and generosity. Rest in peace with your dear wife, Paul.

Scott Prusinowski 2012-01-22 20:14:13

Paul and Veronica were the very first voice teachers I ever had. At age nine, I was the only boy in the Junior Choir at St. Charles. Paul and Veronica were not only teachers, they were dear friends. Thanks Paul for all the rides home after lessons. Every time I see a VW Golf, I think of the time you explained to me the dashboard was just like the cockpit of a L10-11. I'm so glad you took Veronica to our summer cottage in the Thousand Islands. It was truly one of my fondest memories of my childhood. Your teaching bright new light into my world and without that I never could have been so successful getting my music degree. At today's mass, I sang Panis Angelicus in appreciation for the love you expressed to me and my family. May you be with Veronica and watch over us and we continue to celebrate the teachings and traditions expressed through music. Love, Scott Prusinowski Orlando, FL

Mary Sears 2012-01-23 22:37:00

I had the pleasure of getting to know Paul years ago. I was his Sunday morning helper for quite some time. It was always quite the challenge to pick out just the right tie to wear to Sunday Mass!!!!! I really enjoyed my time spent with him and hearing stories of the children growing up and of his time spent as a pilot in WW II. He was certainly proud of his family. He was a wonderful man of honor and integrity. He holds a special place in my heart. I am deeply sorry for your loss, may your cherished memories give you peace.Sincerely, Mary Sears

Kathleen Kearns Walker Wiktorek 2012-01-24 11:44:22

I was saddened to learn about Paul's passing. He and Veronica were a special team. I have many fond memories of them and of being part of the choir at St. Charles. Please accept my sympathy and know he will be remembered in my prayers.