George Abraham

January 4, 2022

George Abraham peacefully passed away at home in San Luis Obispo, California on January 4, 2022 at the age of 88, with family by his side. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to his parents Ferris and Josephine Abraham, who had emigrated from Lebanon in the early 1900’s. The family moved to Galion, Ohio in 1937. George attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and graduated from Galion High School in 1951. George earned a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Ohio State University in 1956. At graduation, he received a commission in the Army Signal Corps Reserves through the ROTC program. Following graduation, George joined The Atlantic Refining Company (ARCO) and participated in a number of field training assignments in East Texas and Louisiana. In 1957, he was activated from reserve status to serve as an executive officer at the Army Signal School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Upon discharge, he resumed his career with ARCO in West Texas. From early 1958 he was located in Midland, Texas and held various assignments in reservoir engineering. While in Midland, George met and fell in love with Doris Jean Massingill. They were married in 1963 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. While they were in Midland, daughters Alison and Susan were born and joined the family. George joined Sohio Petroleum Company in September 1966 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as Staff Engineer in the Property Acquisition Department where he was involved in the purchase of oil and gas producing properties. During this period, the family expanded to include daughter Lisa and son Stephen. In 1970, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio for an assignment in Corporate Planning as Economic Evaluation Specialist. He became Assistant to the Senior Vice-President Natural Resources in 1971 with the primary responsibility of coordinating the development and unitization activities of the giant Prudhoe Oil Field on the North Slope of Alaska. In 1977, he became Manager, Oil and Gas Planning. During this period, the family was completed by the addition of daughter Denise. In January 1980, he transferred to San Francisco, California as General Manager of New Ventures with responsibility for leading the developmental activities associated with new discoveries adjacent to the Prudhoe Oil Field. George moved to Anchorage, Alaska in August 1985 and became Vice President, Prudhoe Bay Unit Programs with responsibility for field development planning, equity issues, and unit administration for the Prudhoe Oil Field. Sohio was merged into British Petroleum (BP) in 1987. George retired from BP in 1991. While in Anchorage, George served on the Boards of the Anchorage Red Cross, Anchorage Opera, and the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce. George and Doris moved to San Luis Obispo in 1992. In the early years of retirement, they enjoyed travelling internationally. George was fascinated with the history of the Central Coast and volunteered as a docent at the San Luis Obispo County History Museum. He became a member and served on the Board of the San Luis Obispo Retired Active Men (RAMS) with whom he fully enjoyed monthly luncheons, hiking, golfing, wine tasting, and day trips. George was also an active member of the Old Mission Church in San Luis Obispo, regularly attending Father Jim Nisbet’s Bible study classes. He was also a docent at the historic church and delighted in giving tours to worldwide visitors for over 20 years. He was known for adding a touch of humor to his tours. George is survived by his wife Doris; his children Alison Allen (Robert), Susan Olivas (Tim), Lisa O’Rourke, Stephen, and Denise Wilcox (Chris); his grandchildren Sam, Caitlin, Julia, Lily, Sydney, and Joe; and his sister Louise Lennon (Larry). His family wants everyone to know that he was a true gentleman, devout in his faith, a loyal OSU Buckeyes fan, kind, intelligent, and had an endearing sense of humor. Faith and family were the center of his life, and he prayed daily for world peace. A Rosary will be held on March 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Reis Family Mortuary, 991 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo and a Mass will be held on March 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Old Mission Church, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. In lieu of flowers, please say a prayer for world peace. Also, any donation to Old Mission Church (missionsanluisobispo.org) in George’s name or to your favorite charity is appreciated.