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Viewing Held For Prominent South Florida Businessman

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The South Florida community had the opportunity to pay their last respects Tuesday night to local philanthropist and businessman Anthony Abraham.

A viewing was held for Abraham at Our Lady of Lebanon on Coral Way in Miami.

"My father transcended two worlds, one of business and one of charity," said son Tom Abraham. "When he took that business hat off, you wouldn't know it's the same person.

"We were very blessed to have him as long as we've had him.," said daughter Norma Jean Abraham. "100 years is a beautiful thing. Thank you Lord for allowing us that much."

The son of Lebanese immigrants, Abraham moved to Miami from Youngstown, Ohio, in 1951 and opened a Chevrolet dealership. That business grew to be the largest Chevrolet dealership in Florida, and a South Florida landmark.

In the 80's, Abraham was named Miami's honorary Lebanese consul.

His wife, Genevieve, was murdered in 1984 along with an elderly couple she was visiting.

Partly in her name, Abraham formed a family foundation which was a cornerstone of philanthropic work in South Florida. He served on the board of St. Jude's hospital, which he helped found along with another Lebanese-American, comedian Danny Thomas.

Shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday in February, Abraham began choking in a restaurant when he was rescued by Carlos Gimenez, a former firefighter and fire chief who later became Miami's Mayor.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at Epiphany Catholic Church in Miami.

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