Ward Abusamra

Ward Abusamra, 101, of South Kingstown, passed away Sunday, October 29th. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara J. Abusamra. Born in Worcester, MA, he was a son of the late Salim and Adelle Magdeline Abusamra. Mr. Abusamra was a Professor of Music at the University of Rhode Island for 30 years, retiring in 1982. He was educated at the New England Conservatory in Boston, studied Voice at New York University and received his BA and MA from Teachers College at Columbia University. Mr. Abusamra served as the Minister of Music at Kingston Congregational Church for 19 years and was co-founder and assistant Conductor of the RI Civic Chorale. He was a former president of the Wakefield Rotary Club and a member of the RI Music Educators Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He served as soloist for numerous URI commencement and athletic sporting events. Mr. Abusamra was devoted to his family, friends, and church. He was actively involved in the community, including Tavern Hall and the Fayerweather House, URI athletics and music programs. He is survived by three children and their spouses, James and Jennifer Abusamra of Northboro, MA, Lois and Michael Gendreau of Kingston, RI and Joseph and Kirsten Abusamra of Annapolis, MD; and five grandchildren, Cassandra, Alexander, Caitlin, Nicole and Ian. He was the brother of the late Edna George, George Samra, Alice Eid, Selma Ferris, Joseph Abusamra, William Abusamra, Ann Raffoul, Henry Abusamra and Alfred Abusamra. A funeral service will be held at 11 am Thursday in the AVERY-STORTI FUNERAL HOME, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. Burial will follow in Old Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston. Visiting hours are Wednesday, 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ward Abusamra Scholarship Fund, c/o the URI Foundation, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881, or to one’s charity of choice.