Miami Auto Magnate Anthony Abraham Dead At 100

MIAMI (CBS4) - Anthony Abraham, a prominent Miami businessman known for his landmark auto dealership and for his philanthropic works, died Friday evening with his family at his side. He had celebrated his 100th birthday last February.

The son of Lebanese immigrants, he 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, 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.

There was no immediate word about funeral services.