Obituaries
Abe Wilen
Date of Death: October 12, 2012
Viewing/Services: Funeral arrangements for Mr. Wilen have been entrusted to the Rhome Funeral Home Inc., family owned and operated as a member of the Golden Rule, 1209 Grand Blvd. Monessen, where friends will be received on Wednesday from 1:p.m. until 2:00 p.m., the time of service.
Interment: Temple Beth Am Cemetery, Rostraver Twp.
Obituary:
A. Edward (Abe) Wilen, a member of the Greatest Generation and former POW, died on October 12, 2012 in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 91. Abe grew up in Long Island, NY. After attending the City College of New York for a year at the end of the Great Depression, he had to drop out to work full time. He moved to Monessen, PA, to work in a relative’s furniture store. Keeping his promise to himself that he would finish college, he completed his bachelor’s degree 14 years later at the University of Pittsburgh by attending college at night while working full time.
Soon after Pearl Harbor was bombed, he joined the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program and became a B-24 combat navigator in the 453rd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. His Operations Officer was movie star Jimmy Stewart and Abe established a bond with him both during and after World War II. On his 20th combat mission, Abe’s plane was attacked by enemy fighters on a mission to Brunswick, Germany. After bailing out of the plane, he was captured and spent a year as a prisoner of war in three different German camps, one of which was Stalag Luft III, where the movie The Great Escape took place. First Lieutenant Wilen’s World War II experiences have been documented in the Library of Congress Veteran’s History Project, on television’s War Stories with Oliver North and in museums, articles and books.
After the war, Abe returned to Monessen, PA, and became the owner and president of Eisenberg’s Department Stores which he operated for more than 40 years. He was a civic leader, serving as the president of the Monessen Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Monessen Redevelopment Authority, a director of the Mon Valley Progress Council, a director of the Mon Valley Hospital, and a member of Rotary International, VFW, and American Legion. He was actively involved in the Jewish community where he served as president of Kneseth Israel Congregation, president of B’nai B’rith, chairman of Israel Bonds and participated in UJA. He was also honored as Man of the Year by the State of Israel Bonds and B’nai B’rith. After retirement, he moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where he enjoyed golfing and lecturing on World War II to school groups and participating in a non-profit organization that brings World War II aircrafts such as the B-24 and B-17 to South Florida to educate the public. He also continued his involvement in Rotary where he was a member for over 50 years. Abe was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2009, adding that to his three air medals, two purple heart medals and the POW medal. Abe was a very charitable person who supported a wide variety of non-profit organizations.
A beloved family man, Abe is survived by his wife Janet of Boca Raton, Florida, two sons Ronald (Laura) of Bridgeville, PA and Barry (Dr. Diane) of Hollywood, FL.; five grandchildren, Lori (Angie) Wilen, Adam (Michelle) Wilen, Joshua (Sarah) Wilen, Jeffrey Wilen and Dr. Craig (Jessica) Wilen and two great granddaughters. He also leaves his sister, Hedda Denburg of Great Neck, NY, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Sylvia to whom he was married for 42 years. The family requests that donations be sent to the Jewish National Fund, the Rotary Foundation, or the American Red Cross.
