In Memoriam: Brother Warren Abel, C.F.X. The Xaverian High School community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brother Warren Abel, C.F.X., Xaverian’s fifth Principal, on August 7, 2012. A native of Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, Brother Warren, (formerly Brother Melvin), a graduate of Regis High School, Xaverian College and Catholic University, served in many capacities as a Brother, before being named our Assistant Principal in 1968. A Xaverian Brother for more than 60 years, he had been residing at the Brothers’ residence in Danvers, MA. He was 80 years old. In 1982, Brother Warren began his tenure as Principal; one that would last eleven years and bring about some of the most significant changes in Xaverian’s history. Recognizing the pivotal impact of emerging technology on education, Brother Warren oversaw the construction of the Technology and Research Center, preparing Xaverian’s students for the 21st Century. As the driving force behind the Capital Campaign that funded the project, Brother Warren not only gained the support of Xaverian Alumni, but their predecessors as well—the Alumni of St. Michael’s Diocesan High School. Known as an incredibly skilled teacher and administrator, Brother Warren epitomized the values of the Brothers. While many remember with amazement his ability to create an annual schedule for 1,400 students and 90 faculty members without the aid of a computer, even more recall the kindness and devotion with which he treated students, colleagues and friends.There was no favor he would not extend; nor did he ever receive a courtesy without showing his gratitude. The Class of 1993, the last to graduate with Brother Warren as its Principal, dedicated its yearbook to him by stating,“You may no longer be our captain, but you will always be our shipmate.” Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
A memorial service honoring the memory of Brother Warren Abel, C.F.X. will be held at Xaverian High School on Saturday, October 13, at 4:00 pm. All are invited to attend. For details, please visit www.xaverian.org /alumnievents.
You may no longer be our captain, but you will always be our shipmate. —The Class of 1993
Archive research provided by the Xaverian High School Archives.
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Alumni Reflections: “Xaverian High School is, indeed, a better place because of him.” —Robert Windorf ’76
“Brother Melvin was my freshman and sophomore English teacher at Xaverian (1962–64). I last saw him when I visited the school in 2008 or 2009. He was using a walker and had an ailing heart, but his memory was as sharp as ever as we reminisced about those years in the mid-60’s.” —Carl Fehlandt ’66
“I do remember Brother Warren Abel as a stern but fair Brother at Xaverian, another great man has passed to eternal life! —William R.Trapani ’83
“Sorry for our loss... Brother Warren was a great man! He taught us a lot. Brother will be missed.Wonderful memories to cherish. Thank You!” —Gene Walsh ’73
In Memoriam Brother Warren H. Abel, C.F.X. Louis M. Carpetto ’71 Joseph A. Colombo ’72 Richard J. Finnegan ’72 James H. Hampton ’80 Edward H. Lavin ’62 Joseph Lopez ’86 Paul N. Maruffi ’77 Thomas J. McCambridge ’63 Philip C. McGarrity ’77 Robert M. Merone ’06 Paul Munk ’63 Patrick Walsh ’79 Nicholas F. Santino ’83 Richard Shockley ’12