Derek A. Abraham

Mr. Derek A. Abraham, age 45, of Utica, passed peacefully to the hands of the Lord on Saturday, September 5, 2009. His unexpected passing occurred in the privacy of his home. Born in Utica on October 14, 1963, Derek is the son of William “Bill” Abraham and Angela (Scampone) Abraham. Raised and educated locally, he attended John F. Kennedy Middle School and T. R. Proctor High School. Derek was a hard worker during his time of employment at the Utica Waste Management. Faithful to his family and concerned about their well-being, he made daily phone calls to keep in touch. Blessed with a good soul and honorable intentions, he always saw the beauty in others and was a loyal and true friend. The simple means by which he lived his life was an inspiration to those who knew and loved him. A jokester at heart, he had a keen sense of humor, a great memory, and a sense of intellect that was admired. He was independent by nature and did the best he could during his journey through life. As an avid fan of the sports world and a competitive sportsman, he followed the sporting news and highlights of the NY Yankees and the Miami Dolphins. Sunday dinners were special to him and were highlighted by his standard statement that he enjoyed “another successful meal”. He filled his day with music and the melodies of the J. Geils Band, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and classic 70’s tunes. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Derek is survived by his mother, Angela Minicone and step-father, Jake; his father, Bill Abraham of Sylvan Beach; and his maternal grandmother, Rose Scampone of Utica. Survivors also include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Billy and Anita Abraham and their children, Amanda and Zachary Abraham; and Chris and Janine Abraham and their children, Alexandra and Marc Abraham; his half-sister and her husband, Kelly and Victor Castronovo; several cousins; aunts and uncles, Philip and Carol Scampone, Byron “Todd” and Rosemary Abraham, Beverly Abraham-Romano and Lewis Romano Jr., and Gary Abraham; great-aunt, Christine Lombardi; and great-uncle, Sam Fanelli, with whom he shared a close relationship. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Anthony J. “Skirm” Scampone; and his paternal grandfather and grandmother, George and Mabel Abraham. The family is grateful to the Utica Police Department and the EMTs for their response and concern. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Derek’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Derek A. Abraham

October 14, 1963 - September 5, 2009