Wade George Abraham

Wade George Abraham, age 92, ended his earthly life “painless, blameless and peaceful” on April 25, 2015.  Wade was born on October 14, 1922 in Towanda, Kansas, son of Sleyman and Zahia Abraham. His family moved back to Lebanon in 1924, but returned to the United States in 1930, where he resided in East Grand Rapids for 64 years.

Wade was the third of four children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, his brothers Abe and James, sister-in-law Georgette, brother-in-law Dr.Thomas Bander, and sister-in-law and her husband Laurece and Ernest Kaleel. He is survived by his sister Dolores and sister in-law Adele Abraham, brother-in-law Dr. George Howard and sister-in-laws Mary and Gladys Howard of Charleston, WV.

Wade married his beloved wife, Margaret Howard on October 23, 1949 in Charleston, WV. Margaret joined her Heavenly Father in October 2012. They were married for 63 years and are survived by their five loving children: Daniel (Kathy): Marilyn Vaillancourt (Dave); Diane Coleman (Pat): Linda Abraham; and Janet Ansara (Mark). Wade has seven grandchildren, who he cherished: Andrew Coleman, Lindsey McCloskey (Pat), Benjamin Coleman, Maggie Rutkowski (Dan), Joseph Vaillancourt, Wade George Ansara, and Rose Ansara. Wade was blessed with one great-grandchild, Luke Gabriel McCloskey.

 Wade graduated from South High School, where he was an active band member and class president, organizing class reunions until his passing. He attended Davenport University for one year before he transferred to Michigan State College (now Michigan State University). He enrolled in ROTC and was later called to serve in the US Army in World War II. He served proudly from May 1943 to August 1946, earning the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was injured in the line of duty and was awarded a Purple Heart. Wade returned to finish his college education graduating from Michigan State College and was a lifelong Michigan State supporter, rarely missing a Spartan home game.

 Wade worked alongside his two brothers, Abe and James, his entire career at S. Abraham & Sons, founded by their father, Sleyman. Their wholesale distribution company started as a small company and became successful because of the hard work and dedication of Wade and his brothers. 

 Wade was a devout Orthodox Christian and a member of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church his entire life. He was instrumental in the building of two churches as the parish grew. He was a Life Member of The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the philanthropic organization of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. Wade seldom missed a service and worked tirelessly to support the church and its mission.

 Wade had an infectious personality and was a friend to all who knew him. May his memory be eternal!

 We ask that friends gather to honor Wade on Tuesday, April 28th from 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm, with a Trisagion Prayer Service held at 7:30pm. His funeral will take place on Wednesday, April 29th at 11:00am, with visitation from 10-10:45am. Both will be at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church & Cultural Center, 2250 East Paris Ave, Kentwood MI 49546. A Meal of Mercy will also be at St. Nicholas Cultural Center following the funeral service. Services officiated by the Very Reverend Daniel Daly. Memorial Contributions can be offered to St. Nicholas Church.

 Service Information