Bernard C. Abraham's Obituary
Bernard C. Abraham “Bernie/ Poppi”, 80, CEO of Weight Watchers of the Mid-South, Inc., passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2012, in Memphis. Before bringing Weight Watchers to Memphis, Bernie was a loan officer for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank in NYC and also was a member of the Treasurers and Ticket Takers Union where he was treasurer of the Broadway theaters showing Man of La Mancha, Front Page and Hair. He was also treasurer of the Central Park Schaffer Summer Music Concerts with guest performers such as Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Four Seasons, The Supremes and the Beach Boys. In 1963, after losing 83 lbs. as one of the first male members of Weight Watchers, he left the bank and became Franchise Coordinator for Weight Watchers International. In 1969, after helping other franchisees manage their companies, he and his wife, Sonia, brought their three daughters to Memphis and started Weight Watchers of Greater Memphis. As it expanded through the 1980’s and early 1990’s, it was one of the most successful franchises in the Weight Watchers organization. Mr. Abraham is survived by his devoted partner of 39 years, Jim King. He leaves his loving daughters, Rebecca McCaffery of Memphis and Laurie Adrian of Latham, NY as well as his son-in-laws James McCaffery, Jr. and Alan Adrian, to join his youngest daughter, Victoria and his wife, Sonia in heaven. He also leaves eight grandchildren, Mica Stevens, Sonia McCaffery, Victoria Adrian, Courtney Adrian, Joshua Ballard, Lindsey Adrian, Brian Adrian, and Ellen Cimaglia; as well as three great-grandchildren, Preston and Belle Stevens and Mckenzie Cimaglia. Visitation will be Saturday, from 5:00-8:00, and services will be on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., both at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive visitors after the service at 475 N. Highland, Memphis. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Methodist Hospice Residence, 6416 Quince Road , Memphis , Tennessee , 38119 Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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