Dr. Ari Abel (known also as Tim) lived his life to the fullest, while demonstrating endless compassion for others. He is survived by his wife Valerie and daughters Chloe and Scarlett, parents Robert and Mike Abel, siblings Adam Abel (Leila), Lauren Michael Chicklo (Christopher), aunt Nancy Abel, uncles Nick and Jack Michael and their families, niece Zayya Buck Abel, Valerie’s family, Paula, Karin (Joe) and Ryan (Amanda) many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Ari had a personality and love of life so large it filled every space he touched over five decades. He had a natural way with people—from his patients to his colleagues to his many cherished friends—and built lasting connections that were central to his life. He valued these friendships deeply: a constant presence, a source of joy, and a true reflection of who he was.
Ari graduated cum laude from the Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware where he was class president and captain of the cross country and wrestling teams. Later, as a Tatnall parent he embraced his daughters’ academic, athletic and artistic accomplishments with pride and the enthusiasm of a devoted fan. He was honored with the Tatnall Distinguished Alumnus Award and served on the Board of Trustees.
He graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in neuroscience. At Wesleyan he was elected president of his Psi Upsilon fraternity, president of the interfraternity council and was one of two seniors tapped to serve as ad hoc members of the University’s Board of Trustees. He was also inducted into Wesleyan’s Mystical Seven secret society which anonymously performed community service for the school and the town of Middletown, Connecticut.
Ari spent his junior year taking pre-med courses at American University in Washington, DC and found positions at the NIH doing original research into thallium scans and anti-rejection medications for kidney transplant survival. He received his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University Medical School and completed his residency at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore where he honed his medical and surgical proficiencies.
After a two-year oculoplastic surgery fellowship, he became one of the few ophthalmologists to become a member of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery.
Ari returned to Wilmington and founded the Abel Center for Oculofacial Plastic Surgery and Abel Aesthetics, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyes and face.
Ari was a member of the Maxillofacial and Ophthalmology Surgery departments at Christiana Care, the Medical Society of Delaware and the Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology.
His medical acumen and surgical excellence were immediately recognized by patients and colleagues in the tri-state area. His empathy and ability to actively listen and show concern for all who entered his orbit distinguished him as a trusted and respected physician and beloved community member.
Ari was devoted to Valerie, Chloe and Scarlett, and shared with them his delight and wonder at all this life offered. He enjoyed golf, fishing, skiing, Eagles football, and summer weekends in Dewey Beach. He and his family enjoyed many adventures which made for lasting memories.
Ari made the world around him more joyous, offering love without reservation. What he gave was returned in abundance, yet the word “love” cannot fully capture what Ari radiated, nor the depth of what he received throughout his full and vibrant life. He leaves a lasting legacy of medical excellence, family devotion, lifelong friendship, and community leadership.
Ari will always be remembered by the many lives he touched. He packed more into 55 years than most could into two lifetimes. He lived a big and meaningful life, full of love, generosity, courage, and boundless enthusiasm. And he showed those of us lucky enough to have known him how to do the same. We will be forever grateful for the extraordinary gift of his presence in our lives.
Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and remembrances. The Family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and their teams at Christiana Care for their compassion, dedication, and the excellent care they provided to Ari.
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