DALE ALAN ABRAMS July 31, 1945 – July 14, 2022

It is with great sadness that Dale Alan Abrams lost his final battle with Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s on July 14, 2022, after a stroke. He was 76 years old.

Dale was born on July 31, 1945, in Floral Park, New York to Joseph Abrams and Katherine Twomey. He attended Bellport High School until 1963 when his parents moved with the LEM Project (Lunar Module) to Albuquerque. Dale then graduated in 1964 from Sandia High School where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife Nancy Ellen Johnson. He attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) while doing his duties with the Coast Guard Reserve as a medic.

After graduation and getting married in 1969, he moved to Phoenix to work for Ford Credit, which gave him opportunities to travel throughout Arizona. However, Dale’s heart resided in New Mexico and he jumped at the opportunity to work in Los Alamos. He began as an Accountant 1 with LeRoy Starkey and Robert Bunkley and then retired 25 years later in 1994 as the Associate Finance Director of Los Alamos County. He was remembered as the “great explainer” during the County Council video programs to the community. He held Los Alamos County in high regard and cared deeply about the financial health of the Los Alamos community. He always supported the employees and protected their benefits as well.

Dale was also a cherished family man. Dale and Nancy reared Nancy’s 10-year-old younger brother, Matthew, in 1971 after their mother died. Together they built a home in Nambe by hand in 14 months and called “the Valley” home! Matthew could ride their horses all over BLM trails while Dale hiked with their Boxer dogs for miles. Dale became a pretty good farrier and groomer, too.

Dale retired at 47 in 1994 to spend time with his family. David, their son, was only 10, and Dale and Nancy homeschooled him allowing them to travel throughout the country, especially to National Parks where they could explore and learn geology.

David followed in his father’s footsteps, attending UNM and earned a Bachelor’s with honors in Geology

In the winter, Dale coached Recreational League Hockey in Los Alamos. He had a great team of Bantams who won in 1998. The team went on to High School and took the first winning State title in 2001!

Dale and his family spent summers at Lake Powell on their houseboat, exploring by water and hiking the canyons throughout the Escalante. He shared his time and fun with family and friends and even while making cherished memories, he taught Coast Guard boating safety, “showing the ropes” and equipment to the kids.

Dale was a member of the Valley View United Methodist Church in Española and was active until 2 years ago when he was “robbed” of his abilities to attend. He continued to view the YouTube link sermons provided by video and enjoyed listening to the music. He was supported by many prayers, his twinkle in his eye and he will be missed as the “jokester of the crowd”!

Dale is survived by his wife Nancy of nearly 53 years (married on August 10th) and had a very blessed 58 years together!

Son David, Tia Carmichael daughter in heart, Brother-in-law Matthew Johnson (raised as son) / wife Beth, Brother-in-law Jeremiah Johnson/ Elaine, Janet Philley sister-in-law, Ben Setzler nephew (as a son), Michael Johnson nephew, Vicki Setzler niece, Eric Setzler nephew, Katie (Johnson)Lewis niece/ Tyler husband, Caroline(Johnson) Pugnetti niece/ Andy husband, Zack Setzler nephew, Chris Setzler nephew, Stephanie Yacek niece, Rick Yacek nephew/ Traci wife, Scott Yacek nephew, Ted Philley nephew/ Cindy wife and family, Jennifer Hancock niece/ Steven husband and family, Michael Setzler nephew I/ Melanie(wife) and family, Glenda Miller cousin/ Joe and family, Leonard Acuna, close friend.

A celebration of life will be held Friday September 30th, 11 am, at Valley View United Methodist Church located at 827 Spruce Street, Española New Mexico 87532. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Valley View UMC P.O. 1304, Espanola, New Mexico 87532, for their missions in memory of Dale.

 Thank you and blessings!