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As proud as Abe was of what he built in business, his greatest legacy was his family.

Bahjat Abraham, known to nearly everyone as Abe, and affectionately within his family as Abu Nael, passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 84. 

Born in Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, Palestine, Abe came to the United States in 1978 with determination, a strong work ethic, and a deep devotion to family. He worked in environmental services at both Syracuse University and St. Joseph's Hospital, saving toward his true passion: entrepreneurship.

Beginning in the 1980s, Abe owned and operated convenience stores and a supermarket in the Syracuse area. He spent decades in business providing for his growing family before retiring in the mid-to-late 2000s.

As proud as Abe was of what he built in business, his greatest legacy was his family.

Abe was the beloved husband of Mahboubeh Amer Abraham and proud father of seven children: Fatima Hasan, Eliana Wady, Andria Abdelfatah, Nael Abraham, Iman Abraham, Ashraf Abraham, and Mamoun Abraham. His family grew to include more than 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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He remained a respected elder and an important connection to the family's roots in Palestine.

His place within the family extended far beyond his own household. Abe was a true patriarch of one of the largest extended families in Upstate New York, alongside the families of his five siblings. He is survived by Wedad Abdelfatah and Nihad Shehadeh, and was preceded in death by his siblings Izzat, Farouk, and Nabil. Across generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he remained a respected elder and an important connection to the family's roots in Palestine.

Abe came from a generation in which wealth was measured not simply by what a person possessed, but by the family surrounding them, the respect they earned, and the generations they left behind. By that measure, Abe was an incredibly wealthy man.

He will be remembered with tremendous love and respect by Mahboubeh, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, surviving siblings, extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his 84 years.

Abe came to this country willing to work and build a better life. He leaves behind something far greater than any business he ever owned - a family and a legacy that will endure for generations.

Abe did not simply leave behind a family. He left behind generations.

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He leaves behind something far greater than any business he ever owned - a family and a legacy that will endure for generations.

May Allah forgive him, have mercy upon him, illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest level of Jannah.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we return.