Robert E. Abrams, founder of the Levittown Tribune, died on May 14 at the age of 85.

Abrams started the Levittown Tribune in December of 1947 after moving into a Levitt Cape Cod-style home on Blue Spruce Road just one month prior.

"It's just something he always wanted to do," his son, Bruce Abrams recalled. "He was always very interested in journalism and he was a great admirer of the Herald Tribune. That's why he called it the Levittown Tribune."

Abrams continued as publisher for the next two years and editor for the following seven years. His wife, Eleanor, helped him with various aspects of the paper, including the business end of it.

"As far as I know both he and my mother wrote the editorials each week," the younger Abrams said.

Abrams later sold the newspaper to the Levitt family. He and his family then moved to Carriage Lane in Levittown, where they lived until 1960 when they moved to Roslyn.

As an active community member of the Village of Roslyn, Abrams served as a trustee and deputy mayor for many years. An avid photographer, his work was displayed in various exhibits. Throughout his lifetime he also worked at and created a number of financial and trade publications.

In addition to his beloved wife Eleanor, Robert Abrams is also survived by his children, Bruce A. and Beth, and grandchildren, Daphne and Simon. A memorial service was held in Roslyn on May 25.

The following is an editorial that was published in the July 1, 1948 edition of the Levittown Tribune and which, according to his son's recollection, was written by Robert Abrams and his wife, Eleanor. It portrays the couple's affinity and involvement with the Levittown community:

"The editor's chair serves as a pretty good vantage point from which to look out at a community of over 3,000 residents, such as Levittown.

"Watching the development of the week's activities can be very interesting work, and usually is. Although not geared to the temp and profundity of the big metropolitan daily, the gathering of news for a weekly can create its own excitement.

"There is a measure of satisfaction in observing, for example, the actions of the Levittown Nursery co-op and the Israel Community Center this week; both groups adopting constitutions and by-laws and making plans for future activity.

"With the need for increased bus transportation for our community a growing problem, one can wonder if it may not be true that the average resident is the greatest loser in the current labor strife between the Purinton Bus Company and its drivers.

"It even comes to the attention of the man in the swivel chair that a valuable cat is missing from its kennel.

"Or, that a pitcher in the local softball league has hurled a perfect game, allowing no hits, no runs and no one at base - news enough for considerable mention.

"The editor reviews the call for volunteer firemen and wonders why only about 20 men, just half the number needed, respond on Monday night.

"And, of course, the arrival of a full fledged circus to a neighboring village this coming Saturday night must be properly announced so that children of all ages may be present.

"True, the editor of a local weekly newspaper does not scan the news of Washington, Berlin or Moscow. His horizon is bound by Division Avenue, the Village Green and Loring Road and yet he watches the world's problems and activities - in miniature."