Charles Abraham

Charles (Chuck) Abraham, (94), of Kildeer Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 26,2024 in Long Grove. Chuck was born in Chicago on March 6,1930. As a child of the depression-era, he worked odd jobs as a young boy to contribute to the family’s finances. He established a strong work ethic early in life. He went on to graduate Chicago’s Lake View High School in 1948 and later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January,1949. After his honorable discharge in September,1953 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Josephine, in February,1954. They were blessed late in 1954, with the first of 5 children. With a growing family, Chuck was multi-tasking decades before it was fashionable. He was a Letter Carrier for the United States Post Office long enough to earn a pension. He partnered with his father, John, to buy and sell more than 25 income properties in Chicago. Chuck maintained the properties, refreshed vacated apartments, and shoveled coal to the furnaces in winter. He was active at church, a member of the Men’s Club, bowled in a Men’s league, and enjoyed playing craps and pinochle. Chuck was a generous, contributor to charities. He taught by example, to care always for those in need through prayer and financial support. In 1969, Chuck and Jo became Shell Oil dealers and operated two busy stations until investing in a Union 76 service station/mini mart in McHenry in 1985, as sole proprietors. In 2012, the business and property were sold and at 82, Chuck began his retirement. Chuck made health, fitness, and nutrition a priority throughout his life. He was an accomplished weightlifter and was passionate about fast cars and professional boxing. He lived by a few, simple, guiding principles: Measure yourself and your contributions with honesty and integrity. Hold yourself to the highest standards. Use the tools and skills you’ve acquired to achieve the desired outcome. Set your goals and endeavor to attain them. Don’t let anyone persuade you to do something you know is wrong. Don’t quit; persevere when the going gets tough. If you lose sight of life’s targets, let your faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, light your way. Your word is your bond, so honor it always. Care for your health and nutrition, so you can care for the needs of your family. Use exercise to balance the stresses of daily life. Help those in need. And in all things, moderation. Chuck was the beloved husband of 66 years to the late Josephine (nee Portiera). Also preceding him in death were his parents, John and Anna (nee Lazar) Abraham, brother Thomas (1924-1936), brother John Jr. (the late Rosemary) Abraham, twin sister, Kate (the late Albert) Sands, and brother Thomas David Abraham. He is survived by loving children, Catherine (Louis) Bland, Cynthia (Richard) Stackwell, Diane (William) Vlcek, John Abraham, David (Amy) Abraham, adoring grandchildren, Adrienne (Jeffrey) Stewart, Katherine (Scott) Francis, Nicole (Robert) St. Clair, Michael (April) Abraham, David (fiancée, Rebecca) Stackwell, Alexander (Ashtyn) Thessen and treasured great-grandchildren, Grayson, Zachary, Jacob, Ava, Carson, Olivia, Arya, Iris, Ellasyn, and Elsie, dear sister-in-law, Marlene Abraham, fond brother-in-law, Joseph Richard (Rosalie) Portiera, along with many nieces and nephews. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Chuck’s life will be held on June 6, 2024 at 11:00a.m. at Matz Funeral Home, located at 410 E. Rand Rd, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. Visitation will take place prior to the service, starting at 9:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, or to Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL.

Charles Abraham

March 6, 1930 - May 26, 2024