Arnold “Arnie” Gerald Abrams, PhD, 85, died on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Arnie was born and raised in Baltimore. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, and went on to complete a PhD at Ohio University.
His life was guided by a deep connection to Judaism, and a genuine care for people. Arnie moved through the world with gratitude, humility, and an inner drive to leave the world better than he found it.
He taught public speaking and interpersonal communication for over 40 years, and teaching was a huge part of his life. Though he left the classroom, the teacher in him never left, and you could hear it threaded into conversations with friends and family offering insight and wisdom.
Arnie was a respected expert in body language, and he traveled across the country delivering keynote speeches, with an ability to captivate audiences with humor, keen observations and storytelling.
Arnie and his beautiful wife Elaine were married for over 56 years, and he adored her and their two children Robert and Jennie. They were the light of his life.
He found joy in simple things, time in the garden, losing himself in music, walking on the beach, and discovering new restaurants.
His devotion to Judaism was more than a religion, it was who he was. Across several decades he served on multiple committees at Rodef Sholom Temple, volunteering his time reflecting a commitment to a life of service. In 2024, Arnie won the Blue Yarmulke award, given to a member of the Jewish community whose years of commitment to the service of others and the community goes beyond what anyone would ever expect. This was one of his proudest moments, as being able to serve God is what he would say was his life’s purpose.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; his son, Robert (Claire); daughter, Jennie (Don); six grandchildren; his brothers, Jack (Susan) and Donald (Riselle) and his sister, Joan; along with many friends including his lunch buddies Al Spatt and Brian Weinberg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rodef Sholom Temple, or to the United Jewish Community.
