Abramson, Harold E. November 4, 1927-April 19, 2015
Harold Elton Abramson, a longtime public relations executive who valued people over possessions and collected experiences rather than things, died on Sunday in Canoga Park, CA. He was 87. Born in Omaha, NE, Harold graduated from the University of Nebraska where he met and later married Gloria Ferschtman, who would become his loving partner and wife of more than 64 years. Professionally, he started out in radio before moving to Los Angeles and building a long career in public relations. But work never defined him. A true bon vivant, he enjoyed great music, theater and sports. He loved to entertain, and knew how to pair a fine wine with a good meal. Most of all, he loved the large and devoted family that he and Gloria built together. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchild all spun in orbit around his magnetic personality, as did an extended family of brothers, cousins, nephews and other relatives and friends. Harold is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughters Robin (Rick) Lefkovits and Jody (Mark) Barnhill; son Curtis (Arpi) Abramson; grandchildren Matt Lefkovits, Rebecca (Eric) Reingen, Joella Lefkovits, Daniel Barnhill, Carly Barnhill and Ella Abramson; great-granddaughter Audrey Reingen; brothers Bill (Pauline) and Marv Abramson; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Gail Abramson, his sister-in-law Fritzie Balk, and his brother-in-law Ruby Balk. Memorial services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on April 22 at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087.