Norman Abeles

Norman (Norbert) Abeles, Ph.D. was born in Vienna, Austria, on April 15, 1928, and passed away on January 26, 2025, in his home of over 60 years in East Lansing, MI. At the age of 11, he fled Nazi persecution with his parents, Felix and Bertha (Gronich) Abeles, and his brother, Gerard, seeking refuge in the United States. His childhood unfolded in Washington, D.C., and New York City, where he developed a deep intellectual curiosity that would define his life’s work. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. It was in Austin that he met his beloved wife, Jeanette Bueller. Together, they moved to East Lansing in 1957, where Norman began his long and impactful career at Michigan State University. Over the course of 50 years at MSU, Norman became a cornerstone of the psychology department, shaping the careers of 77 doctoral students and authoring 280 publications. As a dedicated Director of the Michigan State University Clinical Center, researcher, and advisor, he brought an unmatched depth of experience and mentorship.

His office reflected his voracious mind—piles of papers stacked high, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves overflowing with well-worn volumes, and amidst it all, cherished family photos.

Norman and Jeanette’s children, Linda Abeles, Ph.D. (husband, Peter Bensen, DC), and Mark Abeles-Allison (wife, Lisa Abeles-Allison, Ph.D.), inherited their father’s passion for travel, appreciation of fine food and drinks, and deep love for the arts. A steadfast champion of his family, Norman was always ready with wisdom, humor, and an ever-present willingness to listen. He chatted frequently with Linda and Mark, visited regularly, enjoyed weekly family Zoom calls, and exchanged daily puns with Lisa. His absence leaves an immeasurable void.

Beyond his family, Norman’s influence extended into the highest ranks of his profession. A lifelong leader in the American Psychological Association, he served multiple terms on the Council of Representatives, was elected APA President in 1997, and remained active on the Board of Directors and countless committees until his final days. His article, “The Impact of an Older Adult’s Death on the Family”, provides an unintentional yet poignant guide to navigating loss, surprising comfort from a man who dedicated his life to understanding the later stages of human development. His APA Presidential Citation read “Norman may have appeared subdued in his presentation, small in stature, and gentle in character, but interactions with him revealed a profound depth of knowledge, unwavering conviction, insightful wisdom, and visionary leadership”. These qualities resonated not just in his professional work but in his life as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Norman’s grandchildren—Sheva, Bria, and Tianse Abeles-Allison, and Halle Bensen, and nephews Geoffrey and Bradley Abeles cherish memories of his playful spirit: the whistled bird trills that signaled his approach, the ritual of checking basement mouse traps only to find oversized stuffed mice or rubber chickens, and the quiet satisfaction of watching him “rest his eyes” while conducting The Mikado or Pirates of Penzance operas with his fingertips. Norman delighted in postal chess, stamp collecting, and discovering hidden culinary gems—passions that reflected his curiosity, patience, and love of life’s small pleasures. His presence was a symphony of familiar joys—the faint scent of kumquat and lime trees he nurtured indoors, the soft rustle of corduroy as he moved through the house, and classical music playing perpetually from the kitchen radio. His home was a trove of international candies and delicacies, always stocked for eager hands to discover.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette, brother Gerard (Anita Abeles), and sister-in law Simone (Steven Soltan).

Norman was surrounded by a strong and cherished community—from his lunch groups at MSU and the temple to the neighbors he greeted on his daily walks and the dedicated caregivers who helped him maintain his independence. Our family is deeply grateful to all who enriched his life and enabled him to live on his own terms. If you have stories of Norman, we would love to hear them.

In honor of his lifelong values and passions, donations in his name may be directed to the American Civil Liberties Union or to the Jeanette Abeles Scholar in Residence Fund at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, East Lansing, Michigan.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.