Jacob Abramowitz of Leawood, Kansas, entered into eternal rest on June 13 at his home. Born in Tel Aviv to Baruch and Bertha Abramowitz on Dec. 29, 1940, Jacob lived a life full of love, kindness and joy.
Jacob served in the Israeli Air Force as a paratrooper. Jacob started working for AB May in the mid 1960s where he learned the HVAC trade, allowing him to realize his dream of opening his own business in 1984, Karen Heating and Cooling, named for his beloved baby girl. Jacob built his company on a foundation of integrity, hard work and a deep commitment to serving others. He treated every customer like family. His dedication earned him a loyal following and a widely respected reputation grounded in trust and reliability.
In 1964, Jacob immigrated to the United States on a two-week voyage by ship to pursue the American Dream. He married Nilli Abramowitz (Levy) on Oct. 31, 1981. As immigrants, Jacob and Nilli did not realize the significance of the date, and the judge that married them had to take a break from trick-or-treating with his kids in order to perform the ceremony. This eventually became a bit of family lore that always brought delight in the telling.
Jacob is survived by his wife, Nilli; son Erez Bar (Ruti) and grandchildren Omer, Adi and Nadav; daughter Iris Nafshi (Oved) and grandchildren Sahar, Shai and Maya; daughter Inbar Carmel (Sharon) and grandchildren Yael, Anat and Michal; daughter Robin Abramowitz (Brian Thompson); daughter Beth O’Bryan (John) and grandchildren Sarah and Hallie; son Jason Abramowitz (Dolly Johnson) and grandson Tyler; and daughter Karen Cohen (Bryan) and grandchildren Noah and Ethan. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Esther.
Jacob was a devoted grandfather who loved spending time with all of his grandchildren. When Karen announced she was pregnant with Noah, Jacob tearfully told her, “I will have a new best friend,” a sentiment he felt for all his beloved grandchildren. Jacob will also be remembered for his humor, mastery of casino games and love of desserts.
Services were held at Louis Memorial Chapel on June 18, followed by burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Variety KC or The National Kidney Foundation.