Abe Abramovsky dies at age 60

Abraham Abramovsky, a Riverdale resident and beloved Fordham Law School professor, died on July 23 at his home. He was 60.

Born in Israel, Mr. Abramovsky was best known for his work in teaching, studying and practicing criminal law. In addition to his academic career, he was an internationally renowned criminal defense attorney.

After receiving his bachelor's degree from Queens College, Mr. Abramovsky earned his law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his master of laws and doctorate of juridical science from Columbia University. He joined the Fordham Law School faculty in 1979.

Mr. Abramovsky also was an expert in Jewish law. His colleague, Bill Treanor, said Mr. Abramovsky's Jewish law elective course was immensely popular among students.

Mr. Treanor described Mr. Abramovsky as "a tireless advocate for the rights of the accused, a gifted and passionate teacher and a dedicated mentor."

In the 2000 publication, Millennial Tribute: Honoring the Fordham Law Faculty, Mr. Abramovsky credited his father's influence with his decision to pursue law. "My father was one of the best-known criminal lawyers in Israel," he wrote. "Even though I lost him when I was 8 years old, he is still my hero and really influenced my decision to go into law."

Mr. Abramovsky is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Dr. Orly Calderon, of Riverdale; his daughter Aviva and his sons Dov, Abba and Ari Abramovsky.

Services were held on July 25 at Riverside Chapel in Manhattan. Mr. Abramovsky was buried in Israel.