Honoring a Hero

Abraham Laufgas, 73, passed away surrounded by his family on February 10th, 2023. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel and raised in Brooklyn, NY by his parents, Samuel and Mariam Laufgas, along side his two brothers, Bernard and Simon Laufgas.
Leaving behind his loving and devoted wife, Liana Stanescu; and three surviving children, Jennifer Dawn Laufgas, Jason Samuel Laufgas, and Jamie Beth Laufgas. Loved by Carl Ansara and bonus grandchildren, Caleb Ansara and Grace Ansara. He loved his friends, his family, and his country.

At a young age, he refused to let anyone tell him what to do. Even as much as going behind his parents wishes to enlist in the Marines at 18 years old, although both brothers were already serving in different branches overseas. He had his mother sign what she thought was a field trip form. Three weeks later, she received a letter and his clothing from Parris Island saying he was a Marine now.

Unfortunately on May 25, 1968, Bravo Company 3rd Platoon 1st Battalion of 7th Marines was ambushed in a day long battle. He sustained multiple injuries and blindness due to his selfless nature and bravery in putting his life in danger to save his fellow soldiers. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart and several other military accolades in recognition of his extreme valor and his exemplary actions during combat.

After returning back from the service, he decided to live life to the fullest, and embarked on a year hiatus traveling throughout the Americas with one of his closest, and life-long friend, "Doc."

Taking charge of the family, he moved his parents and himself to Florida. Settling down, he married Marilyn Fry and had three children together, affectionately known as the "three J's" where they built a home and life together. Unexpectedly in December 1986, Marilyn suddenly passed away from a rare bacterial infection. Jamie was only four months old, Jason was two and Jennifer was five years of age. With the help of his parents and close friends he did the best he could. He was lucky enough to find an incredible woman, Diane Wing, who helped him raise the kids as her own over the years. He would always spoil us with the best, never making us feel like we were different. Disney trips multiple times a year, new clothes and shoes every year for school, and brand new cars when they turned 16. There wasn't anything he didn't do or sacrifice for his family. He raised the children with the core beliefs of family and friendship, instilling in them a deep love of music, especially Doo-Wop (he was a loyal and lifelong fan of Dion). He was deeply rooted and involved in the music scene, garnering the nickname, "the Duke of Broward."

Finally meeting Liana Stanescu, she become part of the family right away and stayed by his side through thick and thin. Always providing the love and support that carried and strengthened him even to his final days.

He was a royal pain in the ass to those who knew him but you always felt honored to be a part of his jokes and insults. It's like the more he would yell at you the more loved you felt. If you ever met him once you had a story to tell. You would never guess he was blind or had a disability. He could navigate better than most people who could see. Always amazing the people around him because there wasn't much that he couldn't accomplish despite his impairment.

Fulfilling his life long dream to travel to Israel in 2019 with one of his closest friends Dennis to visit his homeland and visit with family. Our cousins -The Beck family- took him to do everything he'd wished to for so long, which we are eternally grateful.

He always said "We are the Laufgas Family and we stick together like glue" but he was our glue. He was the heart of our family. We were his shining light in the darkness. And life will never be the same. We weren't ready to say goodbye. But like a true Marine he fought till his last breath.

Although our hearts are heavy, we will continue to celebrate his life and find comfort that he is reunited with his loved ones once again and no longer in pain. We will miss him dearly and we will continue to celebrate his incredible legacy that he has left behind. Marines never die, they guard the gates of Heaven.

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