Written by former student Katie McDowell
Edward Joseph Abrams died January 22, 2019 after a four-month battle with cancer. Ed was born in Brooklyn, New York to parents Edward and Francis. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn Tech), a prestigious and selective high school that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and, after graduation, went on to earn his bachelor of science and master’s in education from C.W. Post College, now Long Island University.
In 1972, Ed began his teaching and administration career at Saint Andrews Episcopal School in Oceanside, New York where he was a teacher of high school mathematics and science, a coach to the soccer, basketball and baseball teams, and the Dean of Discipline. It was during his tenure here that Ed participated in NASA’s Teacher in Space Project, a program designed to inspire students, honor teachers, and spur interest in mathematics, science, and space exploration; he proudly displayed his certificate on the wall of his office for many years. In 1984, Ed was appointed as Headmaster of St. Andrews by its founding headmaster, The Reverend George T. Cook. In his new role which he held until 1994, he continued to teach and to uphold the school’s central principle of a Christ centered education. He also rebuilt the school’s Driver Education program into one of the most successful in the region.
It was at St. Andrews that Ed met his wife, Lorrie whom he married in 1981. Together Ed and Lorrie made their first home in Freeport, New York and began their family. Lorrie taught science at St. Andrews as well, and the couple was beloved for taking their upper class students on ski trips each winter. In 1995, Ed and his family moved to Peachtree City, Georgia—a place where he urged all his friends and relatives to move for its charm and pleasant pace. Here he was proud to continue his passion of teaching high school mathematics at Clayton County Schools and served as chairman of the math department and math coordinator. He ended his career as a data analyst for Clayton County. Peachtree City is also where Ed was a founding member of All Saints Anglican Church, with a goal to provide an enduring place of worship for the faith that he held deeply.
As a teacher and mentor, Ed ensured a lasting impression on his students and colleagues by always challenging them to rise to their best and encouraging them to believe in themselves. His family and friends remember him as a fun and witty guy who enjoyed entertaining at home, always had a story to share and who loved a glass of scotch. The most important part of Ed’s life was his family. He was a loving husband, a proud and supportive father, and a wonderful grandfather. Together they cherished their regular visits to Walt Disney World with Lorrie’s parents, cousins, and their extended Disney Family.
Ed is survived by his wife Lorrie, son Ryan and girlfriend Jennifer, son Douglas and wife Lauren, daughter Kimberly, grandson Parker, and daughter Kelly.
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