Maurice Abramson, 103, physician

Maurice Abramson, 103, formerly of Elkins Park, a family physician who practiced in Kensington for many years, died Friday, Oct. 24, at his home in Plantation, Fla.

Born in Newark, N.J., Dr. Abramson spent his childhood in Belleville, N.J., where he learned to play the violin.

He graduated from Cornell University in 1933 and Thomas Jefferson Medical College in 1937.

After serving an internship at Philadelphia General Hospital for two years, he set up a family practice in Kensington with the aim of becoming an obstetrician and gynecologist.

In the early 1940s, doctors made house calls. "Doc Maury," as he was called, decided to perform home deliveries at $35 a birth.

In 1942, when America entered World War II and the call went out for physicians, he joined the Army Medical Corps. After basic training, Dr. Abramson became one of six surgeons with the 100th General Hospital, operating in northern France and the Rhineland. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, and honorably discharged in December 1945 with the rank of captain.

Once he returned to Philadelphia, he reopened his office at 2322 E. Norris St., and expanded the practice to include obstetrics and gynecology.

He joined the staff of the Kensington Hospital for Women and became chief of obstetrics and gynecology there from 1959 until 1974. He also was affiliated with Northeastern Hospital in Kensington and St. Mary's Hospital in Fishtown.

Over the years, he delivered thousands of babies - and then their babies once the youngsters grew up.

In the 1980s, he discontinued his obstetrics practice to focus on family medicine and gynecology.

He was a founding member of the Philadelphia Academy of Family Practice.

When Dr. Abramson retired in June 1987 after five decades of work, the Kensington Guide marked the occasion. "The kind and caring doctor has decided that it's time to hang up his stethoscope and smell the roses," the newspaper wrote.

In retirement, he sculpted, played the violin, golfed, and traveled with his wife, Gilda Feinstein Abramson. The two spent time at their home in Elkins Park as well as in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

His wife died in 2000. Three years later, Dr. Abramson moved to South Florida to be close to family.

He played violin with the Hallandale Symphonic Pops Orchestra for five years. His final move was to the Five-Star Premier Residence in Plantation, where he delighted residents with his violin playing at Friday-night Sabbath services.

Surviving are a daughter, Joan Schnettler; and a son, Scott. Another son, Eric, died in August.

The funeral was Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Contributions may be made to the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 125 S. Ninth St., Suite 700, Philadelphia 19107.

610-313-8102