Fred Harman Abel

Fred Harman Abel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at his Wyoming residence. He was 83. Born on October 3, 1941 to Gladys and Armand Abel, Fred was raised in Bexley, OH which he affectionately called “God’s country.” He completed freshman year at Cornell University, but transferred to The Ohio State University to help his mother after his father unexpectedly passed away that summer. While he had attended OSU football games since childhood, becoming a Buckeye himself solidified his lifetime love of the team! He also met Karen at OSU, and after one date, knew she would be his wife. Upon graduation, Fred served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1963-1965. During that time, he married Karen and they resided near the army base in Ft. Benning, GA. After army service and a brief time in Knoxville, Fred and Karen moved to Cincinnati where Fred worked for Karen’s father, Kartan Mailender, at Mailender-Barnett, Inc., a paper and janitorial supply company. Fred became President and worked there for 40 years until retirement. Fred was a dedicated community volunteer and philanthropist. He was a past President of Jewish Vocational Services (JVS), and for many years served as Chairman of JVS’ Hilb Scholarship Fund which provides need-based academic scholarships for residents of Greater Cincinnati. He also served on the board of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and was a longtime fundraiser for them. Fred and Karen were among the first people to “create a Jewish legacy” for the Jewish Federation. From a young age, Fred’s passion was tennis. He was an avid tennis player for decades and could be found on tennis courts throughout Cincinnati. He hung up his tennis racket for golf clubs at age 70 because it was more “user friendly” (on his body). He also had a flair for fashion, perhaps sparked by a high school job at a men’s clothing store in Columbus. He was always well-dressed and one of the few men who loved to shop! Fred is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Karen Mailender Abel, his children Andrew (Dara) Abel and Allison (Eric) Kahn, and his sister Sally (Charles) Neustadt, along with his seven grandchildren: Alexandra (Andrew) Zoss, Samantha, Caroline and Jonathan Abel; and Madison, Lillian and Jacqueline Kahn. He is also survived by other cherished family members and dear friends. The funeral will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1 pm with visitation beginning at 12 pm at Weil Kahn Funeral Home, 8350 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45249. Burial will follow at Montgomery Cemetery, 7885 Ivygate Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45242. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, 8499 Ridge Road Cincinnati, OH 45236 or the charity of one’s choice.

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Fred Harman Abel

October 3, 1941 - August 20, 2025