William (Bill) Maurice Abend , AIA Architect, 84, passed away on Monday, August 24th, peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Marcia, by his side in San Francisco, California. He was born on January 11, 1931 to Samuel and Rose Abend.
Bill grew up in San Francisco. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1948. He then attended the University of California at Berkeley where he received his BA in Beaux Art Architecture in 1954. He was a proud member of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi).
Upon graduation, during the Korean Conflict, Bill enlisted in the Signal Corps of the US Army. Lieutenant Abend designed the Army Signal Corps School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. After he was honorably discharge William came back to his beloved city by the bay, San Francisco. There he designed and consulted on such projects as the University of Santa Cruz, College of San Mateo, Diablo Valley College, and The Japanese Cultural Center of San Francisco. He received his California state license of architect and his admittance into the American Institute of Architecture (AIA). He furthered his education by studying and becoming a licensed architect in the Western States. He also earned a California Real Estate License. He continued his thirst for knowledge until his death.
Bill worked for over 50 year in private practice honing his skills in commercial architecture, managing and designing for large corporations such as McDonalds and Mrs. Fields. He also consulted for many fellow architects, contractors, and lawyers both on their behalf and as an expert witness. Later in life he was appointed to the San Francisco's Abetment Appeals Board where he became president severing for 13 years. A few years later he was appointed to the Appeals Board of Concord, California where he reminded Chairman until his passing. William was an avid stamp and coin collector from childhood. William enjoyed going to the San Francisco Symphony every New Years Eve.
William is survived by his loving wife Marcia Faye of San Francisco, California; his daughter Rona-Alyse Alison Abend Reynolds and Son-in-law Hugh Oliver Reynolds of Concord, California, Wendee Lee Karp of Richmond, California; and grandchildren Jacob William and Rebekah Rose Reynolds of Concord, California. Brother of Ronald M. Abend and Sister in-law Elaine Abend of Boca Raton, Florida, Sister of Marilyn Abend (deceased), and survived by many wonderful caring nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park, 1301 El Camino Real, Colma, California at 11:30 on Sunday, August 30th.
On-line notes of condolence may be written at Legacy.com.