Page created by: Julie Cornell

Peter D. Abrahamsen, 74, of Manalapan, NJ passed away on July 19 after a brave and prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Pete was born in Teaneck, NJ on September 10, 1949 to Arthur and Anne Abrahamsen, and grew up in North Bergen. At the age of 19, he met the love of his life, Linda, who first hesitated to go to the prom with him. After he brought her the first of many pink roses from his grandfather’s garden, she knew she could say “I want to hold your hand.” They bonded over music, football, and the beach, and continued to share this appreciation through the glory days of their 50 years of marriage.

Pete is survived by his wife, Linda Abrahamsen (née Cologero); loving daughters, Christine Grasso and her husband Jason, and Julie Cornell and her husband Ian; his adoring grandchildren, Zachary, Grace and Lily; his brother Bill Abrahamsen and his wife Heidi; his sister Pam Pannucci and her husband John; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and served in the Army Reserve before going on to a long and successful career in insurance. He served as a vice president at Commercial Life/UNUM and AIG, where he was lucky to travel extensively to Asia and Russia. He soon became known as the International Man of Insurance.

Pete loved sports, rooting for the J-E-T-S (Jets! Jets! Jets!), yelling at the Jets (“You turkeys!”), and cooking up Italian sausage at tailgate parties. He was an avid runner and skier, loved going to concerts, spending time in nature, and taking family vacations to national parks on the West Coast and American Southwest. In retirement, he relished playing with his grandchildren and volunteering for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his quickness to laugh, and his deep dedication and loyalty to his family and friends.

Pete will be missed by all, but we take comfort in knowing he is at peace now.