Abraham Hekemian, 74, died Wednesday, September 18, in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. He is survived by his brother, Paul Hekemian, and his wife, Suzanne, of Whitinsville; a cousin, Rose Hawkes and her children, in Florida; and Jackie Boy, his cat for many years.

Abe was born in Worcester, August 22, 1950, a son of the late Megerditch and Alice (Koumjian) Hekemian, and was a lifelong resident of Whitinsville. He graduated from Northbridge High School and attended Worcester Junior College.

A grocer, Abe worked for many years at Shaw's Supermarket in Whitinsville, as well as Goretti's in Millbury, and the former Phillips Market in Whitinsville. He also worked in the Whitin Machine Works, as a timekeeper.

Active in the community, he served on the Northbridge School Committee, Board of Selectmen, and the Playground Commission. He coached boys baseball, girls basketball, enjoyed listening to Classic Rock and Roll, and he was a diehard New York Yankee fan.

Memorial Calling Hours will be held from 10-12, Saturday, September 21, in the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville. Memorial Donations may be made to the UMass Memorial Medical Center, 7 ICU, 55 Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655.