Norfolk —Abbott G. Saks, 87, died Sunday, January 12, 2019 in a local hospital.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk and was the son of the late David and Celia Bress Saks.
Mr. Saks was a retired adjunct associate professor of Spanish at Old Dominion University where he taught for 55 years and also taught for the Norfolk School System. He was known as a Linguist extraordinaire and wrote puns and poetry for the Virginian-Pilot and numerous other publications. Anyone who knew Abbott will warmly remember his kindness and gentle demeanor. He derived joy from the happiness of others.
He was a 1949 graduate of Maury High School and attended the Norfolk Division of William and Mary and graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s of arts degree and earned a master of arts in teaching Spanish from the University of New Mexico. He attended the University of Virginia where he did post-doctoral studies. He was a member of B’Nai Israel Congregation.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Kitty Friedenbach Saks of Norfolk, his daughter, Tonie Saks Wilkins and her husband Frank of Virginia Beach, his son, David A. Saks and his wife Mary Lou of Delray Beach, Florida and his grandsons, Elliot A. Saks and Adam Louis Saks. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law; Sheila Saks of Columbia, South Carolina and Felice Saks of Norfolk.
Funeral Services were held in the Norfolk chapel of H.D. Oliver, with interment in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.