Dr. William Abesh

Dr. William Abesh, age 94, husband of Betty Neyman Abesh and son of the late Jacob and Bessie (Portnoy) Abesh. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Abesh Meltzer and her husband Neil of Sudbury, MA; his son Dr. Daniel Abesh and his wife Jane Eisen Abesh of Cherry Hill, NJ; grandchildren Jesse, Joseph and his wife Lindsey, and Jonathan Abesh, and Benjamin and Jeffrey Meltzer; his sister Goldie Gitlin; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins; and many friends. Dr. Abesh graduated from New Bedford High School, class of June 1939. He continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a liberal arts degree. He then went on to the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine, where he graduated in May 1946. While in college he became a life member of Alpha Epsilon Pi and was also assistant manager of the wrestling team. While at dental school, he became a life member of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and was in the ASTP program, where he was a PFC. On graduation he was appointed First Lieutenant in the Army Dental Corps, and served an assignment in Korea as a Dental Officer in the Army of Occupation. He was later transferred to the Westover Army Air Force Base where he was promoted to Captain, completed his duty, and was discharged in 1948. Dr. Abesh opened his Dental Office in New Bedford on Nash Rd., and later moved to Ashley Blvd. He joined the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital as a general dentist in October 1948, and was active in local dental societies. He became a life member of the American Dental Association, the Eureka Lodge of the Masons, the Wamsutta Lodge, and the Alippo Temple of Shriners. Dr. Abesh has been an active member of Tiferith Israel Synagogue since 1952, and a board member of the Jewish Federation and of the Jewish Convalescent Home. He was also a distinguished member of the Allendale Country Club, where he belonged for 55 years. In addition, he served as Commander of Post 154 of the Jewish War Veterans of America, worked for many charitable organizations, and was happily married for over 64 years. Services will be held Wednesday June 1st at 2:30 PM at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 145 Brownell Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740 with burial in Plainville Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Jewish Convalescent Center and to Tifereth Israel synagogue. Shiva will be private.