Christian F. “Chris” Abrahamsen

Christian F. "Chris" Abrahamsen of 305 McGraw House, Ithaca (formerly of Trumansburg) passed away at the Oak Hill Manor on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at the age of 92.

Born on January 15, 1911 in Risor, Norway, Chris was the son of Abraham and Annie Thiis Abrahamsen. With salt in his veins, Chris went to sea for the first time when he was 6 years old accompanying his father aboard a clipper. After high school he completed naval training and became a seaman with the Norwegian Merchant Marines until the mid-1950's. He then became a crewman aboard tug-boats working out of the New York Harbor. Most of their trips were throughout the Great Lakes. (These adventures were a compliment to the many interesting seafaring stories already accumulated from his merchant marine days.) Chris retired from the tug-boats in 1973 and moved to Trumansburg to be near his family.

It was in Trumansburg that he discovered gardening and enjoyed cross-country skiing. Chris was also an accomplished accordion player and was eager to play at events or at home for family enjoyment.

Chris was devoted to his faith through the First Baptist Church in Trumansburg and had assisted in any way possible with the building of the present-day church building.

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret T. Abrahamsen on April 28, 1990, his sister, Elise Pedersen and 3 brothers, Thomas, Michael and Per. He is survived by a daughter, Ann Marie (Harry) Wood of Ithaca; 3 grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew and Marnie; 3 great-grandchildren, Samantha, Nicholas and Jacy Margaret and several nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive their friends at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg on Monday, May 26, 2003 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Services will be held at the First Baptist Church on East Seneca Road in Trumansburg on Tuesday, May 27 at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Pete Hood officiating. Prayers of Committal will follow at the Grove Cemetery.

Contributions in Chris's memory may be directed to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 686, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or to the Trumansburg Fire and Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

To obtain additional information please call the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director