Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Abeles Obituary
Richard "Rick" Abeles, 86, died peacefully on November 15, 2023 in Walnut Creek, CA. Born June 28, 1937 in Chicago to Jeanne and Jerome Abeles, Sr., Rick attended the Harvard School for Boys in Hyde Park and graduated from Amherst College and Harvard Law School. He proudly served in the US Army Signal Corps and Army Reserve. While practicing law with Altheimer & Gray in Chicago, he met his wife, Kathy, and they married January 28, 1968.
In 1969, Rick and Kathy embarked on a trip around the world, eventually visiting 50 countries across South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Along the way they met numerous people who praised Santa Fe, New Mexico as a wonderful place to live. They decided to visit in 1971, moved there in 1975, and in 1979 had a daughter, Liza.
In Santa Fe, Rick worked as a self-employed attorney, with a focus on real estate and commercial transactions, and was exceptionally dedicated to supporting the community. In 1985, he co-founded the Santa Fe Children's Museum, serving as its board President for many years. In the 2000s, he served for nearly a decade as the president of the Santa Fe Community College Foundation board. In 2021, Rick and Kathy moved to California to be closer to their daughter and her family.
Rick was both worldly and down-to-earth, and he was known and loved by many. He had an incredible memory, a wonderful sense of humor, and an insatiable curiosity. He loved making connections with people from all backgrounds. Rick enjoyed travel, music of many genres, reading, and technology. He was a prodigious family genealogist and loved skiing and playing basketball and pickleball.
Rick is survived by his daughter Liza Abeles Lutzker, son-in-law Bobby Lutzker, and granddaughters Hazel and Thea Lutzker, all of Berkeley, CA, and his brother, Jerome Abeles, Jr. of Rancho Mirage, CA. His wife of 54 years, Kathy, passed away in November 2022.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's memory can be made to the Santa Fe Community College Foundation: https://foundation.sfcc.edu/
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Abeles
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
6 Entries
Ryan
November 27, 2023
So sorry for your loss of Rick. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family for your loss. (Psalms 94:19)
And from Camp Nebagamon and Ravisloe
November 26, 2023
With a great sense of loss, my condolences and those of my family....John Harris and Mariel Harris and Susan Harris. AND with great fondness all of yall. Love
Lorin Abbey
November 26, 2023
This news is so sad for us. Rick was a great person to be around and we always enjoyed his quips n quotes which were often very funny. Both David and Rick attended Amherst and they shared their experiences there. Then, there was beautiful Kathy who we shared with Rick, too. Our sincere condolences to Liza and her family. Rick and Kathy are very special people in our hearts. Lorin and David Abbey
Jan Brooks
November 24, 2023
I adored Rick Ables and equally adored Kathy his wife. i was so sorry when they moved to CA because they were both deeply intelligent thinkers that had the community in their hearts and minds always. Rick had a great sense of humor and I sought his advice on multiple projects over the years. May they both rest in peace.
Camilla Bustamante
November 24, 2023
My sincerest condolences to Rick´s loved ones. I had the privilege of working with Rick when I was an administrator at SFCC and had the opportunity to know Rick´s giving heart. He contributed so much and so many will benefit from his efforts for many years to come. Thank you dear Rick, you made a difference.
Joy Ortiz-Zimmer
November 24, 2023
Remember the first time I met Rick. I was Chairman of the Historic Design Review Board in Santa Fe. I pronounced Abeles as a Spanish names and he said to me, The correct pronunciation is Abeles but if it will help I will accept the way you said it. Friends from then on.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Abeles's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Abeles
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Abeles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
