Richard Alex Abraham

Richard Alex Abraham Sr. age 90 passed away on February 23, 2025. He was born in Highland Park, MI to Lebanese immigrant parents, Alex Abraham and Kaffa (Sala) Abraham. From a young age, Richard embraced the values of hard work, resilience and family. Starting as a newspaper boy at age 9 and holding various jobs throughout high school, he helped meet his family’s needs. He deeply cherished his older twin brothers, Sammy and Saleh along with his younger brother Abe whom he treasured.

Richard went to college for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army, proudly serving from 1954-1956. His next journey started in 1963 when he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Manke) Abraham. They shared 48 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2011 after receiving a liver transplant and multiple battles with cancer.

Richard built a career as a salesman representing manufacturers of vinyl and cloth labels in the Detroit metropolitan area. To ensure his children received a private Lutheran grade school and Lutheran high school education, he worked evenings and weekends at Hazel Park Racetrack, Detroit Race Club (DRC), Tiger stadium, Olympia stadium and Joe Louis Arena. This was a sacrifice he took great pride in.

After retiring, Richard and Barbara moved to Myers Lake in Byron, MI where they enjoyed time with family and friends. In 2015, at age 80, he relocated and moved to Westminster Meadows in Grand Rapids, MI where he lived independently. He enjoyed his community garden, Perkins Garden, every spring and summer. He made friends at his local Panera Bread where he would meet up daily with other retirees to discuss matters of the day and enjoy fellowship.

A passionate Detroit sports fan, Richard enjoyed following the Red Wings, Lions and Tigers. He had a keen eye for statistics. He especially loved keeping stats and watching his grandchildren play sports. In particular, his grandsons grade school and high school hockey and granddaughters basketball at the high school and collegiate levels.

Richard is survived by his loving children, Richard Jr. (Melanie), Heidi (Brian) Tierney, Noelle (Spencer) Brown; six grandchildren- Ekco Morgan, Max Tierney, Vince (Emma) Tierney, Olivia Brown, Jillian Brown, Macy Brown and his newest great-grandson Michael O’Neill Tierney. Loving sisters-in-law, Zandar Abraham and Marie Abraham along with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Richard embodied his Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) - a philosophy he lived by and inspired others. His faith, kindness, generosity and unwavering optimism left a lasting impact on everyone he met. 

The family will receive friends from 11AM until the 1PM Celebration of Life on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad Street, Linden, MI. Reverend Paul Kollek from Hope Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Byron Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com