Tribute Wall
Thursday
18
February
Visitation at Funeral Home
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc.
7751 Merrick Road
Rome, New York, United States
Thursday
18
February
7:00 pm
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Vigil For A Deceased Priest
St. John The Baptist Church
Rome, New York, United States
Friday
19
February
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Friday, February 19, 2021
St. John the Baptist Church
210 E. Dominick St.
Rome, New York, United States
Spring Burial
Spring Burial will be in Kirkland Cemetery, Kirkland, New York
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Karen Zeughardt posted a condolence
Friday, August 18, 2023
My DEAREST FR. ABE, The MEMORIES of SUNNY LA, no not California, but Lackawanna N.Y. Where you started as a Seminarian at Queen of All Saints. The memories that we had there will not b forgotten, our shopping trips to the Outlets. It was most devastating to google your name to get a address for you and send a card, but to find out that you had passed. I know my MOM & DAD were there to greet you. Yes I'm sure my DAD greeted you with a beer. Yes by now I do know that there is beer in heaven. Who would have never thought that our last conversation about "OUR" cancer's being in remission. I can only hope that your exit from this earth, what not a suffering time. I go with the other half of my heart ripped out .Being a part of your first MASS will always be a treasure in my heart. Until I see you again, enjoy your life in paradise with your family , and all your friends from Sunny LA . karedew828@yahoo.com I would love to connect with Erica Fr. Abe's niece. Thanks!
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Sharon Natalie Abramski posted a condolence
Friday, February 19, 2021
Although I knew you a short time, I'll never forget you. You've been a blessing to all, especially my Mom. Soar with the angels and enjoy heaven.
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Bob and Rita Rall posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2021
I wanted to pass on my prayers for Father Abe, I knew him for many years at Saint Catherine’s in Binghamton!! He was an important part of our family’s life in the 80’s and 90’s...He brought me into the Catholic Church through the RCIA program. That’s where our lifetime friendship grew... After moving to North Carolina in ‘97 we continued to stay in touch, occasionally getting together when we traveled back to CNY in the summers.
I last spoke with Abe last summer.
I will ALWAYS keep him close to my heart and remember him ALWAY
Love,
Bob & Rita Rall
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Emil Paparella posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Heaven has gained a remarkable human being!
Deacon Tony and Lauren Paparella
Ryan and Bri Paparella
Emil and Janet Paparella
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Connie Griffin posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2021
We send our condolences to the family and friends especially Father Tormey and his fellow priests in the passing of Father Abe. Father was truly a big part of our lives for several years when he ministered at St. Patricks/St. Anthony's in Chadwicks. His recent return to our parish was joyful for him and for us. He was happy to be back and we were looking forward to welcoming him into the rectory and community again and hearing his Sunday sermons. Father Abe had a gift for healing the hearts of the sick and troubled and we are forever grateful for his ministering to our family. We were fortunate enough to travel with his group and share in some special occasions and we even shared a heritage that bonded us. He will be remembered fondly, and we are forever grateful for his devotion to God and to our parish. May he rest in Peace.
John and Connie Griffin
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Kevin M posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Father Abe was a good person, friend and priest in my life. I will always remember him, his wisdom and his example. KM Utica.
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family uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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family uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Kurt & Kelly Mohney posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
We met Father Abe - "Abe" as he insisted that we call him during our friendship over 35 years - much to the chagrin of my mother who thought it was disrespectful. We met him at his first assignment at St Catherine's in Binghamton in 1985. He proceeded to baptize our second and third sons Trevor and Seth - and married Trevor to his wife Jessica in 2018. Once leaving St. Catherine's we stayed on touch and spent many an evening with three young boys in tow at St. Stephen's and St Paul's. And when our son Seth attended Hamilton College he spent many a weekend at the rectory in Whitesboro with Father Abe serving as chaperone and host. We loved dining with him in the later years when he came and stayed with us at our HIllcrest home and in the Utica /Rome area with his favorite spot being Symeons. Many a night we spent in Baldwinsvillle and Chadwicks always feeling at home with such a loving man. He always had such a well prepared homily and was such a people person always wearing his heart on his sleeve. We cried when he left St. Catherine's and had always hoped that he would one day return. It never happened and we are so sorrowful now with his departure, but know he has already been welcomed into God's Kingdom of Heaven. Kurt & Kelly Mohney
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Carlene and George Disque posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
FR. Abe - you have left a giant hole in our hearts. There are no words to express our deepest sympathy. You will be forever in our hearts. Thank you for being our friend and marrying us at St. Mary's in Baldwinsville on June 15, 2019.You made it special. Carlene and George Disque.
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Chrissie lit a candle
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
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Karen lit a candle
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
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We are so deeply saddened by Father Abe's passing. He fought the good fight for so many years and bore his illnesses with courage and abundant strength. We were so blessed to be able to work with him at both St. Anthony's in Chadwicks and at St. John's the Evangelist when he would substitute. He was so supportive to us with our music ministry and he was an absolute joy to work for. Personally speaking, his homilies were so uplifting, and touched us very deeply. He was the main reason I returned to church. He poured his heart and soul into each and every Mass he celebrated - and you truly felt and shared in his deep love of God and his priesthood. He was real - he wore his heart on his sleeve, and seeing him work at being a good person and living a Christian life inspired everyone around him to keep trying despite trials and struggles. I can't imagine not seeing him in the summertime, celebrating Mass in his sandals because he disliked the heat, but I try and remember how happy he is now, free from illness, experiencing the glory of our heavenly kingdom, with his family. God bless you Father Abe!
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Cindy Todd uploaded photo(s)
Monday, February 15, 2021
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I am so incredibly sad at hearing of Fr Abe's passing. We met when he was the pastor at St. Mary's and quickly became friends, sharing morning coffee and conversation when I dropped my kids off at school. He was a kind and generous soul, great friend and spiritual advisor. He was a wonderful influence on my (at the time) teenage boys. Fr Abe and my family shared many good times together over the years. He knew my love for Lebanese cuisine and took every opportunity to share in that with me. He will always be in my heart and prayers. May God accept Fr Abe into His merciful and loving presence with a greeting of "well done, good and faithful servant". We will miss him.
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Marybeth Knauth posted a condolence
Monday, February 15, 2021
Fr. Esper will be greatly missed. I will always remember how kind and always interested and encouraging he was with our youngest son. From the Knauth family. St. Patrick’s St. Anthony’s Parish in Chadwicks.
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Danette Sosso posted a condolence
Monday, February 15, 2021
Chipper so sad to hear this news. Now your with Mom(Aunt Helen) and your loving brothers. Hugs to heaven.
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Susan Wagner posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, February 15, 2021
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Fr Abe...you were the best....your support and love were immeasurable.....until we meet again....
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Stephanie Schmidt posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Fr. Abe, your gifts were many. Your love was generous and unending. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss you.
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Greg Owens lit a candle
Sunday, February 14, 2021
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Heaven just received another angel who completed his work on this earth. Abe we had some great conversations over the years and it was always fun to talk about our school days at Westmoreland and the good times at your home and ours. We shared lots of laughs and tears. It was always a fun time at Teddy's when we got together in our later years. I can smell the kibbe being prepared by Hellen and Jeffery in celebration on your new life with God the Father ! God bless you my dear friend - you will always hold a place in my heart.
Your friend in Christ
Greg Owens
PS: Save me a spot in heaven and some kibbe !!!!
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Janice and Samuel L. Russo, Jr. lit a candle
Sunday, February 14, 2021
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Truly a "priests" priest! Father Abe truly inspired Catholics with our sacred devotions to Our Blessed Holy Trinity, Sacred-Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Rosary and the Holy Eucharist. We will have numerous masses said for you. God bless our friend!
Janice and Samuel L. Russo, Jr. (Utica NY)
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Joyce Savicki Bojdak lit a candle
Sunday, February 14, 2021
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That smile...he will be so missed...how he loved the children....I am so saddened we have lost our “Father Abe”..Joyce Savicki Bojdak
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Mark Carchedi posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2021
God Bless you Father Abe. You never gave up and persevered always. We will miss you. Thank you for everything. I'll never forget when you asked me if I was Lebanese and I told you no I'm Italian. Well thats ok we're pretty much the same in our ways, like the food and family kind of things. Made me laugh!
RIP in Heaven
Mark, Charisse, Hayley and Vinny Carchedi
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DONNA REED posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2021
REST IN PEACE FRIEND, WE WENT TO SCHOOL AND GRADUATED FROM WESTMORELAND HIGH SCHOOL IN 1969.
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Sharon Kintzele posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Although it has been so many years since Father Abe and I have connected, I remember the times we spoke in high school and the last time I was able to see him at the very parish I was baptized at, St. Paul's in Whitesboro, N.Y. We reminisced about our time together in high school and the path that had led him to become a priest. He was always so joyful and I never saw Father Abe without a smile on his face. His life was a testament to the Lord and he always reminded me of the brother that everyone wished they had. God bless you Father Abe, and may you rest in God's loving arms until we meet again!
Sincerely,
Sharon Zimmerman Kintzele
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peter cania uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, February 14, 2021
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Crystal D'Ambrosi posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Father Abe will be so very missed. He was so kind and loving and had the most wonderful sense of humor. May you rest in peace dear Father Abe.
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Joseph Buttiglieri posted a condolence
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Fahter Abe will alwasy be "Chipper" to me as we knew each other as young children. I remember attending his ordination and how proud his family was of him attaining his goal of becoming a priest. Our mother Nina, always kept in touch with him and often attended his masses. He was well loved and will be missed. Rest in peace Father Abe. Joseph Buttiglieri
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Kevin stottlar posted a condolence
Saturday, February 13, 2021
I scarcely know where to begin. I have known father Abe for more than 50 years. For all that time he has been a part of the lives of me and my brothers and sisters. He has in fact been like a brother in every sense of the word to me and my siblings. I have not been a close part of his life in the last number of years, but I have always thought of father Abe as a big ‘brother’ who always knew his path was to follow Jesus and be his most obedient servant. Though I was the youngest ‘brother’ of his extended Stottlar family, I nonetheless felt a strong connection with him and have so many fond memories of him and his connection with my family. I will miss seeing him and reminiscing of times along ago whenever the Stottlar’s gathered. God speed to you my ‘brother’. Embrace the love of our Father that you faithfully served! Know you will be missed! Know that your devotion made a difference in this earthy existence to so many that you ministered. You were a good priest and your reward in heaven is so deserved!
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The family of Rev. Abraham "Fr. Abe" Esper uploaded a photo
Saturday, February 13, 2021
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ABOUT US
The Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home is committed to serving the personal needs of each family through compassion, attentiveness, and dedicated service before and after a loved one’s passing.
OUR LOCATION
Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc.
7751 Merrick Road
Rome, New York 13440
Phone: (315) 337-2950
Fax: (315) 337-4711
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