Memorial Service Saturday for Dr. David Alabran, 75

Dr. David M. Alabran, 75, a long time resident of Framingham, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham.

Born in Pittsburg, PA, Dave was the son of the late Max and Katherine (Kissel) Alabran.

He was the beloved husband of his high-school sweetheart, Marilyn G. (Huffstetler) Alabran and was to celebrate their 54th year of marriage in early summer.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Davidson University, North Carolina and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Clemson University, South Carolina. Dave served 2 years in the ROTC following Davidson University and for 4 years at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois during which he was promoted to captain. In 1967 he began his long career as a research chemist at the U.S. Army Lab in Natick.

He had many interests and hobbies. He was an enthusiastic beekeeper and kept hives in his backyard. He extracted the honey himself, hand-filling jars of honey to give as gifts along with handmade beeswax candles.

He was an active member within his church community. The last five years he attended the Edwards Church in Framingham and was a dedicated choir member.

Prior to attending the Edwards Church, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Framingham for over 40 years and served as their treasurer as well as a choir member.

One of his favorite places was his basement workshop where he would smoke his pipe, sit by the woodstove and tinker at his workbench. He was the most content when he had a project to tackle.

He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather (‘Bapa’). He adored his twin grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

In addition to his wife Marilyn, he is survived by his daughter, Leslie Erikson, her husband Keith, and their children, Nathan and Sarah of Plymouth; his son, Andrew Alabran of San Francisco, CA, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his older brother, William Alabran.

Visiting hours will be Friday, Feb. 13, from 4-7 pm at the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Edwards Church, United Church of Christ, 39 Edwards Street in Framingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edwards Church Organ Fund, Edwards Church, 39 Edwards St., Framingham, MA 01702