Abraham Samuel Homar of West Hartford, adored husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, World War II hero and a proud member of the Greatest Generation passed away on December 6, 2014 at the age of 95.
Abe was the son of Molly and Harry Homar and grew up on Acton Street in Hartford at a time when children played outside from morning til dusk. He and his brother and best friend Ben, along with many other neighborhood children, rode their bikes carefree through the streets of Hartford. Abe was a proud graduate of Weaver High School class of 1938 and excelled in football.
Abe’s life changed dramatically as he entered the Air Force and began his five year service proudly serving his country. He was a Technical Sergeant aerial gunner in the 91st Bomb Group, flying 30 missions over Germany before being shot down and spending 18 months as a prisoner of war. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross., among others. His war experiences shaped the rest of his life. He faced unimaginable hardship, cruelty and danger and promised himself that if he would make it home alive he would never forget what he had seen, heard or learned and vowed to live the rest of his life grateful to have that opportunity when so many of his friends and comrades did not. He vowed to never forget the war and live his life with energy, enthusiasm, positivity and love for everyone.
After the war, Abe met Judith Spector at a dance. Abe and Judy were married for sixty-seven years. They raised their family on Colebrook Street in Hartford, moving to Fuller Drive in West Hartford in 1959.
Abe was known as a “legend” in the liquor industry in Connecticut. His career spanned over a seventy year period of work. As a teenager, he helped his father Harry delivering soda and seltzer throughout Hartford. After the war he founded American Club Beverage Company, followed by years at the Pequot Spring Water Company, Max Lewis Liquor and finally, a forty-seven year stint at the company now known as Brescome Barton in North Haven. He retired at the age of 93, very proud to have earned the respect of his colleagues and customers. Dad’s customers were very important to him. He cared about their lives and their families. He enjoyed sharing his career with his brother Ben who worked for the same company.
Abe took great interest in veterans’ affairs and worked tirelessly through local and national chapters. He was the chaplain of the local chapter of the Jewish War Veterans and active in Connecticut and national POW groups. For many years he bought and placed flags at the graves of veterans in Hartford area cemeteries and spoke to high school classes about his experiences. He walked in the Veterans Day Parade every year and proudly served as the Grand Marshall in the Hartford parade.
Besides his wife Judith, he was the beloved and respected father of Carol and Joseph Waxman of West Hartford and Joan and David Beschen of Issaquah, Washington, grandfather of Will and Lauren Harrison, Corey and Megan Waxman, Emily Beschen and Megan Ellman, M.D. He was the much loved Poppy of Whit, Colton and Arianna. Abe was the devoted brother of Benjamin Homar of Newington and the uncle of Howard and JoAnn Homar, Janis Homar, Steven Spector and Amy Lopez. He also leaves many cherished relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues.
The family is grateful to many people who lovingly cared for Abe over the last two years. Staff from the Veterans Administration, including Dr. Margaret Raithier and visiting nurse Joann Papillo provided professional and compassionate care. The Visiting Nurses Association, in particular, Martin and Allston, contributed medical services and companionship to Dad. The medical and social work staff at the Hebrew Home Rehab and 2 South administered extraordinary care and comfort. Neighbors on Fuller Drive and many friends supported Judy and Abe throughout his illness.
Dad, we have been blessed by your warmth, wisdom, wit and strength, by your bravery and resilience. We praise the way that Abe Homar lived his life – a gentleman, a friend and mentor, a model husband, father and grandfather. We will love you and will miss you all the days of our lives.
The funeral will be held on December 9, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington
Avenue, Hartford followed by burial at the Hartford Mutual Society Cemetery in East Granby. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Abraham S. Homar please visit online @www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm
Please consider in lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, Kansas 66675 to honor Abe’s military service.
