Edwin D. Abrams, fair housing champion, happy husband, devoted father and passionate skier of Vero Beach and formerly Boston, Massachusetts, died Friday, Nov. 29, at 84 years young.
Known by all as Ed, he is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Marilyn Abrams; his children: Martha Abrams-Bell and her husband Matt Bell of Dorchester, Massachusetts; Adam Abrams of Boston, Massachusetts; and Hannah Abrams of Mendon, Vermont. Additionally, Ed is survived by his three stepchildren: Maureen Robicheau and her husband Bob of Sandwich, Massachusetts; David Chandler and his wife Lisa of Vero Beach, Florida; and Chrissy Blindt and her husband Adrian of Plympton, Massachusetts, as well as many stepgrandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren.
Ed Abrams was born and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts, attended school there and in Putney, Vermont. He graduated from Boston University and later received his master’s degree in city planning from MIT in 1962.
In 1968 Ed founded the Abrams Management Company, Inc. specializing in government assisted affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households, families and singles. Known for his determination, innovative ideas, and amazing sense of humor, he inspired many to become better…better managers, better workers, and better people. In a world where real estate developers often had a reputation for being cut-throat and greedy, Ed Abrams was a pillar of ethics and fairness. He always put his money where his mouth was and made sure that his staff knew that they were valued and well-treated. This was a two-way street, and one of the many reasons why so many of his staff have remained so loyal to him over numerous decades.
Abrams first chose Killington as his ski mountain in 1987 as a weekend and vacation warrior. When it came time for him to retire, he took to spending his winters full-time skiing in Killington and his summers in Vero Beach, Florida.
He continued skiing daily into his 83rd year.
Abrams had a huge sense of humor and loved hearing and telling a good pun. He spent his final days showered by his wife and family, with love, gratitude, appreciation and an abundance of laughter. He touched many people’s lives for the better and he will be greatly missed by each of us who had the good fortune to know him.
A memorial service/celebration of life will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m. at The Lenox Hotel, 61 Exeter Street in Boston, Massachusetts, with light refreshments immediately following.
Donations can be made to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) in Quechee, Vermont, at vinsweb.org, or YouthBuildBoston.org.
