Philip Abraham's Obituary
Wesley Chapel, FL — Philip Abraham born on November 30, 1942, died at age 76 on Wednesday July 3, 2019. He passed away in his home surrounded by his family in Wesley Chapel after a long battle with pulmonary disease.
Philip was preceded in death by his Father, Rev. V.K. Abraham and he leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Mary (Perez) Abraham, his four sons: Philip James Abraham (Dawn Banowetz); Enrique V.K. Abraham (Diana Medina); Daniel Michael Abraham (Gisela Quinones); Jason Paul Abraham (Jennifer Barker); and ten grand children: Melissa Ann, Logan Izaiah, Andrew Enrique, Kyle James, Matthew Alexander, Jonathan Rene, Katherine Mary, Noah Michael, Tristan Patrick, Landon Philip and many close friends.
Born and raised in Ranni Kerala, India, the son of Rev. V.K. Abraham and Mrs. Annamma Abraham, Philip was the oldest of 6 children: Thankamma Thomas, Mercy Mathew, Mathews Abraham, Jacob Abraham and Elsy Kuruvilla. In his youth, Philip was active in his father’s church where he assisted in music ministry and the day to day operations of church business. After graduating from high school, Philip managed a photography studio while preparing to study in the United States. In 1964, he earned admission to Olivet Nazarene College in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Philip moved to the United States and made America, the Country he loved, his new home.
In 1967, he accepted employment with the Illinois Department of Mental Health where he worked to support himself and pay for tuition. Philip received his bachelor's degree in Religious Studies in 1970. In that same year, he met his wife, Mary Perez, in Gary Indiana and they were married on January 9, 1971 at Christ Episcopal Church. In June of 1974, Philip was ordained as a minister in the Church of God and remained active in the Christian Community for the rest of his life.
Philip worked as mental health specialist and social worker for the Illinois Department of Mental Health for 33 years until his retirement in 2001. Philip, however, continued his life of service and ministry in retirement. He volunteered as a chaplain at the Pasco County Jail and the Heartland Nursing Home in Zephyrhills, FL where he ministered to the sick and elderly until 2017.
Philip’s life was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, church and his community. He was kind and generous to every person he met.
Funeral Services will be held on July 12, 2019 at the Trinity Memorial Gardens in New Port Richey, FL. Public viewing will be from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, funeral service from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with burial to follow.
What’s your fondest memory of Philip?
What’s a lesson you learned from Philip?
Share a story where Philip's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Philip you’ll never forget.
How did Philip make you smile?