William Abesh, 94

NEW BEDFORD, MASS. – Dr. William Abesh, husband of Betty Neyman Abesh and son of the late Jacob and Bessie (Portnoy) Abesh, died May 28. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Abesh Meltzer, and her husband, Neil, of Sudbury, Mass.; his son Dr. Daniel Abesh and his wife Jane Eisen Abesh of Cherry Hill, N.J.; 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 1939. He continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a liberal arts degree. He went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated in 1946. He became a life member of Alpha Epsilon Pi and was also assistant manager of the wrestling team.

While in dental school, he became a life member of Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity and was in the Army Specialized Training Program, where he was a Private First Class. 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. He was discharged in 1948.

Dr. Abesh opened his dental office in New Bedford on Nash Road, and later moved to Ashley Blvd. He joined the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital as a general dentist in Oct. 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 Aleppo Temple of Shriners.

He had been an active member of Tifereth Israel Congregation since 1952, and a board member of the Jewish Federation and of the Jewish Convalescent Home. He was also a member of the Allendale Country Club. 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 more than 64 years.

Donations may be made to the Jewish Convalescent Center and to Tifereth Israel Congregation.