Carl
John "Guy"
Abelson III
September 2, 2015
Resided in Providence, RI
Guy Abelson, 67 and longtime resident of Providence, died unexpectedly on September 2, 2015.
Civic leader and philanthropist in action, Guy was a stalwart champion of the underdog.....particularly the hungry among us and those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. For almost two decades his signature event "Taste of the Nation" was the happening of the year raising literally millions of dollars for the RI Community Food Bank. Guy was instrumental in the founding of AIDS Project RI and remained a tireless leader in the planning and implementation of World AIDS Day events and the annual Walk for Life.
Guy's career was multifaceted and his accomplishments matched in number only by the stars on a crystal clear night. He was a TV promoter, a florist, an interior designer, a restauranteur, caterer, fund raiser, an event planner par excellence and a true friend to so many. His flair for sculpting unique settings and his love of fine food resulted in two outstanding and singular restaurants, Cafe in the Barn and In-Prov. His unparalleled creativity and easy going personality attracted a large and loyal client base all of whom viewed him simultaneously as a cherished friend and an honored guest at their own events.
Seven and a half years ago Guy added full time employment to his already chock filled schedule. His job as Special Events Manager for Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital enabled him to combine so many of his talents while also devoting count less hours to supporting other affiliated hospitals whenever they had a need. He was especially committed to the work of Bradley Hospital, an organization which provides critical mental health services to children.
He is survived by two brothers Neal and Mark, a niece Annie, a nephew Carl and his partner John Esposito.
A memorial service in celebration of the exemplary life of Guy Abelson will be held on Saturday October 10, 2015 at 10:00 o'clock at the Unitarian Church at the corner of Benefit and Benevolent Streets in Providence.
In lieu of flowers the Abelson family and John suggest that donations be made in memory of Guy to The RI Community Food Bank and AIDS Project RI.
Civic leader and philanthropist in action, Guy was a stalwart champion of the underdog.....particularly the hungry among us and those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. For almost two decades his signature event "Taste of the Nation" was the happening of the year raising literally millions of dollars for the RI Community Food Bank. Guy was instrumental in the founding of AIDS Project RI and remained a tireless leader in the planning and implementation of World AIDS Day events and the annual Walk for Life.
Guy's career was multifaceted and his accomplishments matched in number only by the stars on a crystal clear night. He was a TV promoter, a florist, an interior designer, a restauranteur, caterer, fund raiser, an event planner par excellence and a true friend to so many. His flair for sculpting unique settings and his love of fine food resulted in two outstanding and singular restaurants, Cafe in the Barn and In-Prov. His unparalleled creativity and easy going personality attracted a large and loyal client base all of whom viewed him simultaneously as a cherished friend and an honored guest at their own events.
Seven and a half years ago Guy added full time employment to his already chock filled schedule. His job as Special Events Manager for Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital enabled him to combine so many of his talents while also devoting count less hours to supporting other affiliated hospitals whenever they had a need. He was especially committed to the work of Bradley Hospital, an organization which provides critical mental health services to children.
He is survived by two brothers Neal and Mark, a niece Annie, a nephew Carl and his partner John Esposito.
A memorial service in celebration of the exemplary life of Guy Abelson will be held on Saturday October 10, 2015 at 10:00 o'clock at the Unitarian Church at the corner of Benefit and Benevolent Streets in Providence.
In lieu of flowers the Abelson family and John suggest that donations be made in memory of Guy to The RI Community Food Bank and AIDS Project RI.
Service
Unitarian Church
Benefit and Benevolent Streets
Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Rhode Island Community Food Bank
200 Niantic Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
Providence, RI 02907
AIDS Project RI
P.O. Box 6688
Providence, RI 02940
Providence, RI 02940
In lieu of flowers
