David Mcgrath Abram

David was born a twin on June 21, 1932 at home after the doctor wasn’t able to make it in time due to a strawberry cart being tipped over in the road-which is one of his family’s favorite stories.

A man born with a diligent work ethic and a great love for his community, he entered the Air Force after high school where he was stationed in Munich, Germany. He met the love or his life, Erika (Ricky), while stationed there and married her on April 16, 1955. The two built a wonderful life together dedicating themselves to the community, their family, and their many friends and celebrated nearly sixty-eight years together.

After returning to the United States, David graduated from SUNY Fredonia and started his career as an English teacher at Lincoln Junior High and Silver Creek Central School. He then became a much loved and well-respected principal at Cassadaga Valley High School where he served his community as a leader for another twenty-three years. David was the epitome of a true gentleman: he was a man of faith, a man of moral character, and a man who demonstrated what love, respect, and kindness looked like each and every day as a teacher, an administrator, a father, a grandfather, and a friend.

David was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Evaline McGrath Abram; his two sisters, Mary and Beverly; his five brothers, John, William, Everett, Richard, and his twin brother Donald; his grandson Patrick Abram; his son, Dennis Abram; and his wife Erika Abram.

He is survived by his sister Kathleen (Stanley) Zembryski; his three children: Eileen (John) Beichner, Shawn (Jackie) Abram, and Brian (Elizabeth) Abram. He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews all of whom adored him.

David was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Cassadaga throughout his life and was most recently a parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church. With quiet humility, David spent many hours at the rectory working for the parish, serving at the local food shelters, donating to many charities, proudly carrying the flag in parades for the Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 as well as being an extremely active member, serving on the board of the Saint Vincent De Paul Society, and so much more. David was a man devoted to others and he truly lived the life of Christ.

Visiting hours will be Monday April 24, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home (763 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY 14048). There will be a Funeral Mass on Tuesday April 25, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church (66 Cushing Street, Fredonia, NY) followed by a Military Service at the Cassadaga Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be made to The Star Hospice House, Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department, or American Legion Post 1280.