City's recreation director dies at 71

Joseph Abrahams was involved with two Super Bowls and oversaw construction of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

By RYAN MEEHAN
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 7, 2002

Joseph Abrahams, a man who helped shape Tampa's parks and recreation program for more than two decades, died of cancer Friday (May 3, 2002) at University Community Hospital. He was 71.

Mr. Abrahams worked in the fitness and recreation field for more than 45 years, and he was Tampa's director of recreation for the past 24 years.

He began working as an administrator of Tampa's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1978. During his career, he oversaw the construction of the Tampa Convention Center, the Tampa Museum of Art and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. He also helped develop two Olympic events and two Super Bowls.

In March, Tampa Mayor Dick Greco renamed the Ballast Point Fitness and Wellness Center in honor of Mr. Abrahams. The center now is called the Joe Abrahams Fitness and Wellness Center.

Karla Kipi, supervisor at the center and a longtime associate, said Mr. Abrahams was driven by one underlying goal: ensuring that the recreation department attained its highest potential by reaching out to the community.

"He brought a great deal of enthusiasm and motivation to the department," Kipi said. "He is going to be well-missed."

Kipi has known Mr. Abrahams for at least 15 years, she said. She has worked closely with him since 1999 when Greco began his fourth term as mayor and, after restructuring city departments, chose to keep Mr. Abrahams as director of recreation.

"He always had time to sit down and listen to you," Kipi said. "And when he talked to you, he always made you feel well-respected. He was never one to shove you off."

Wayne Papy, deputy director of the recreation department, worked with Mr. Abrahams since 1978. He said Mr. Abrahams achieved his goal of reaching out.

"He had a hand in a lot of things that went on in the city," he said."He was very instrumental with this administration and helped convince the mayor to allocate $17-million under this current administration."

Mr. Abrahams became a U.S. citizen in 1945 after immigrating from South Africa. He graduated from the University of Illinois where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in parks and recreation administration.

He was a member of the National Recreation and Parks Association, Florida Recreation and Parks Association, American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, and International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration.

He received the 1998 Florida Governor's Award from the FRPA, the 1991 Harold Meyer Award and the 1992 Achievement Award.

Mr. Abrahams is survived by his wife, Jo-Anne Wolfson; four daughters, Debbie Wood, Mickey Abrahams, Susan Furney and Patty Scott; and three grandchildren, Mikell, Roxanne and Sarah.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the fitness and wellness center named for him at 5212 Interbay Blvd. in Ballast Point Park.

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