Sam Ableson Sr

Sam Ableson Sr., age 66, a resident of Oak Park, died September 4, 2011 at Beaumont Health System in Royal Oak. Sam was born Sami Abbas Aboul-Hosn, in Beirut, Lebanon on January 1, 1945, the youngest of 10 children. His mother, Adla, was 47 and his father, Abbas, was 63 at the time of his birth. They were unsure of his survival, so they didn't get to register him until January 4th, his official birthday. He grew up in Beirut surrounded by fruit orchards and followed in his father's footsteps to become a journeyman finish carpenter. He started as a cabinet maker, but was remodeling his parents' home with his father in his teens. He left home at the age of 18 and lived in Brazil and Tennessee before settling in Michigan in 1968, where he worked at the Chrysler Corporation for 23 years as a carpenter. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, where they changed his name to Sam Ableson and he was honorably discharged that same year. In addition to his work at Chrylser, he owned his own business, Ableson Custom Building Co., and renovated many homes, including his own. In 1970, he bought his home on Woodside Park Drive. In 1972, he welcomed Norma Lynn, his first daughter by a previous relationship. Sam met and married Janice Isenbarger on December 18, 1976 and they built a wonderful life together; including three children, Adele Lee 1977, Kathryn Sue 1980 and Sam Jr. 1987. Sam was dedicated to providing his children with a better life, education and strong values system. In 1990, while building an addition to his own home, he shattered his right heel in a fall and was told he would never walk normally again. He was forced to retire from Chrysler, but against the odds was able to continue working his business by shortening his days and building full houses on his own timeline. He built 3 houses from the ground up doing all the trades himself. While recovering, he built a huge train display in the basement with spot-on scenes from his homeland and his travels. By 1996, he and Jan had traveled around the country, stopping in all 50 states with the kids over the years. He made several trips back to Lebanon, Brazil and throughout the country to visit his relatives. He had remarkable talent for making his own tools, beautiful finished carpentry and figuring out how things work. In recent years, he spent most of his time with his dog, Angel, and his grandkids, Brandon 1995, Adriana 2005, Natalie 2007 and Ryan 2010, who he loved beyond measure, taking golf cart rides, boat rides, planting the garden and doing household projects. He had a heart of gold and would talk to anyone and help anyone in need. He was a member of the Madison Heights Church of the Nazarene and believed in Jesus as his savior. He was loved greatly by his family and friends and will be missed every day. We have peace in the knowledge that he has entered Heaven into the arms of Jesus and we will see him again one day. Sam is survived by his wife, Janice K. Isenbarger Ableson; children, Adele L. Keith Myszenski, Kathryn S. Ableson, Sam Ableson Jr. and Norma L. Zaiter; grandchildren, Brandon Wenner, Adriana Zaiter, Natalie Myszenski and Ryan Myszenski; two brothers; and five sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abbas and Adla Aboul-Hosn; granddaughter, Dominique Myszenski; and two sisters. The visitation will be Thursday 1-9 p.m. and service Friday 10 a.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Michigan Eye-Bank at www.michiganeyebank.org or 1-800-247-7250 x129. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.