At age 90, Richard Robert Abel transitioned peacefully with his loving wife, Barbara, by his side. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, he leaves behind a legacy of kindness and a life fully lived.

Born in 1930  in  New Jersey to Louis Abel  and Elizabeth Miller. He and his older brother, Alan, grew up  in New Jersey. His childhood was happy with memory-filled summers at Mannequin Beach on the Jersey shore. After his mother sadly passed away, his father packed up the young Alan and Richard and moved permanently to California.

Richard (“Dick”) was quite proud of the fact that he put himself through UC Berkeley while working at Oscar’s Hamburgers. After graduating with a master’s degree in history, he served in the US Navy, stationed in the Philippines where his son, John, was born. Lisa came a few years later back in his Berkeley home,  where he lived  for 22  years.

At 45, he married Barbara Henrie on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. They joined families, and together with children, Rob, Susie, and Lisa they moved into their new beautiful home in Lafayette, California where Dick and Barbara went on to enjoy 46 years of a  loving marriage. As long as they were together, he was happy. Their adventures were both simple and extravagant, from hosting many family gatherings and themed parties to embarking on world travels, including some favorites: Australia, Zimbabwe, and India.

He thrived in  a 38-year career at San Leandro High school, where he was a history teacher and then the  school’s head counselor. He often spoke of his San Leandro High School career, the students and his colleagues, with tremendous fondness; SLHS was definitely a highlight of his life.


Dick earned three master’s degrees in  history, counseling with a pupil personnel credential, and psychology,  but rarely would he  mention his own accomplishments; he would simply let his bright mind shine through. An avid history reader, he could converse on world events, past and current with ease and perspective. He loved his country and was concerned about the trajectory of today's politics, unsure where the US will land given current divisions, yet ever hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.

After retirement, Dick found solace and purpose in the Lafayette Orinda Presbytarian church community where, among other things, he served on ten mission trips throughout the world. He was  a deep thinker whose greatest pleasures were always simple - just as content to be on an adventure in Europe as watching a colorful  hummingbird out his living room window.  He loved the Warriors, 49ers, Giants, tennis, reading, movies, live theater, family gatherings, a good back scratch, and dogs. His dogs were among his most beloved friends, especially Willow.

His greatest legacy perhaps is kindness. Real kindness-- the kind that radiates  from deep within in a way that everyone notices because it is genuine and true. That is his  greatest gift of all.
Rest in Peace; you are loved.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Alan, nephew Steven, and  son, Rob.

He is survived by: wife Barbara Abel, son John  Abel (Katy), daughter Lisa  Abel-Benavidez (Dan), and daughter Susie Abel. In addition he  is survived by nephew Scott, four grandkids: Sarah, Carrie, Scott, and Olivia; three  great grandchildren: Ella, Alana, Evelyn, and a grandson  currently on the way:)

Memorial service will be February 12, 2022 at 3:00 P.M.  in  the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church with a reception following.

I graduated from SLHS and he was by far, the most influential educator I ever had.  His insightfulness, honesty, and sincerity was unmatched.  I will always be grateful that I knew him and I am just sorry that I did not properly thank him.