Paul N. Abelson

Paul Nathan Abelson went by many names because he was loved in so many ways by so many people. Now he is at peace in Heaven. He was born in Queens, NY on September 11, 1938 to Israel Ben and Ida (Stern) Abelson and raised in Scarsdale, NY. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Patricia Anne (Jessiman), his son David, daughter Heather, son in-law Brad Wachter, and his two grandsons, Johnathan Courage Wachter and William Liberty Wachter.

Paul graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1955, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from New York University in 1964, and his MBA in marketing/communications from Michigan State University in 1968. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Paul and Pat settled in Lewiston, NY and then Lisle, IL, where they raised their family.

He was proud of his beautiful wife, his family, his heritage and the one he adopted from his bride, his service to our country, his education, his beloved trucking industry, his many awards and accomplishments, and most of all his grandchildren. He went to every soccer and football game, track and cross country meet, musical and choral concert he could to cheer on his favorite athletes and performers, John and Will. Paul played football and hockey, raced sports cars, sailed, and is the only person known to have broken a rib playing golf! He devoured Tom Clancy novels, as well as "real barbeque," burnt toast, Pittsburgh rare steaks, spinach, and popcorn. Paul and Pat had their gourmet kitchen custom-built, and they spent many hours co-creating incredible meals for lucky family and friends. Paul loved dogs, and they loved him! He enjoyed Broadway musicals, especially “West Side Story,” which reminded him of his unconventional love story with his beloved Patricia.

He was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville, IL for 43 years and was an active member of the American Legion at the Naperville Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.

A passionate automotive guy, Paul was active in the Sports Car Club of America. He got involved in the marketing side of the trucking industry in the early 1980’s. He enjoyed writing for various publications, including Trucks Magazine, Land Line Magazine, and Road King Magazine. Paul made major contributions to the industry through participation in the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), Society of Automotive Engineers, Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), and Trucker Buddy. His talent and knowledge have been recognized by a variety of awards from the American Society of Business Press Editors, the International Automotive Media Association, Communication Concepts, and Truck Writers of North America. In 1995, he received TMC’s esteemed Silver Spark Plug distinction. In 2006, TWNA presented to Paul its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Paul courageously fought every battle he faced, most recently metastatic bladder cancer and congestive heart failure. He treated every care provider and healthcare professional as a friend and as a result gained many new friends along the journey. He transitioned from this world peacefully in his sleep, an answer to his and his family’s prayers.

Paul was buried on October 11, 2021 in Littleton, Colorado. A celebration of life will take place on November 13 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at Blake Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue in Lisle, Illinois. You are welcome to pay respects to and share happy memories with Dave, Heather, Brad, Johnathan Courage and William Liberty. Paul’s wife Pat will not be there, as she is unable to travel. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in loving memory of Paul.