Obituary

ABRAM – Paul Thomas, 92, of Richland Township, died peacefully Nov. 4, 2022, at his home in Richland

Township. He was born Jan. 3, 1930, in Windber, son of the late Paul E. and Beatrice C. (Thomas) Abram.

He was also preceded in death by his wife and the mother of his daughters, the former Kathleen

Cunningham, and a sister, Sonja McGregor. Paul is survived by his cherished wife of 30 years, the former

Cynthia “Cindy” Burkett, and his beloved daughters, Rebecca Jane (Kevin) Campbell, Springfield, Va., and

Laura Ellyn Abram (Bob Mulhollen), Johnstown. He was the adoring Pampamp and Tadcu to his

grandchildren, Jessica “Cica” Abram (Joel) Wantiez, Mineral Point; Jennifer Campbell (Derek) Boland,

Duncansville; and Thomas (Katherine) Campbell, Virginia Beach, Va. He was so filled with love for his

great-grandsons, Sawyer James and Caleb Thomas Wantiez, that he could have used a second heart to

hold the spillover. Paul was happiest when he was near water, especially the ocean. He enlisted in the

U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Arcadia, a destroyer tender, during the Korean War. Known to his

colleagues as “Abe,” he worked more than 30 years in newspapers and was a newspaperman to his

core. He was a former associate editor of The Tribune-Democrat and a former media relations manager

for Penelec. He was also an adjunct instructor of English and journalism at UPJ for 20 years. He reveled

in his Welsh heritage, and was deeply inspired and moved by a visit to Wales that seemed to ease his

farsickness for a country he loved even though he’d never been there. He enjoyed Welsh choir music,

and was a jazz aficionado. He was an accomplished tennis player and an avid fisherman. He took up bike

riding later in life and pedaled enough miles to circle the globe twice. He graduated from the University

of Pittsburgh, and was a lifelong Pitt, Steelers, Pirates and Celtics fan. We will miss his sense of humor,

his views on news and current events, his crooked smile, his hugs and most of all, his infinite love for us.

At Paul’s request, there will be no viewing or visitation. We will be forever grateful for the support and

assistance provided to Paul and his family by Windber Hospice during his final months. Charitable

donations may be made in Paul’s memory either to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave., Windber, PA

15963, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Dwi'n dy garu di am byth a bob amser, Paul. (“We will love you

forever” in Welsh) . Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com

 

 

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