Abram-Skinner, Gregory Michael

ALBANY – Gregory “Greg” Michael Abram-Skinner, 21, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 23, 2016. Greg was born in Philadelphia, PA and attended St. James Catholic School in Albany until their doors closed at the end of the 5th grade.Greg then attended Knowledge is Power Program (K.I.P.P. Charter School) where he graduated from 8th grade. He made the short journey across the street to Green Tech Charter High School and graduated in 2013. After high school, Greg attended Schenectady Community College and Hudson Valley Community College to study Culinary Arts.

During his childhood, Greg played T-ball and soccer and eventually came to love karate. He was a member of the American Institute of Japanese Karate (AIJK) for nine years. Greg loved music, 90’s cartoons, anime and superheroes. He was an avid gamer and skateboarder. Gregory loved to work with kids and volunteered at the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) summer youth program.

While he attended high school he worked at Popeye’s on Central Avenue, and moved on to work at McDonald’s located on Washington Ave. Extension for a few years. Greg found his calling, right across the street when he started working for Walmart. He loved his job working in the electronics department, and it was a great fit for him as he was helping people with what he knew best; games, electronics, phones and gadgets. Greg had recently taken another big step towards adulthood by moving into his own apartment he shared with roommate, Willie B. Turner III. He was about to embark on the next chapter, but unfortunately his life was tragically cut short.

Gregory is survived by parents Cheryl Skinner and Debra Abram-Cioppa, step-parents Kaye Adamson and Donna Abram-Cioppa; brother Thaijay “T.J.” Gabriel Abram-Skinner and sister Anastasia Elizabeth Abram-Skinner; also survived by grandparents Reginald Skinner and Joy Redd Skinner, Aaron Abram, and Karen Burkett; uncles and aunts Reginald Terrence Skinner and Eileen Skinner, Justin Skinner and Steven Ingram, Crystal Abram and Tahisha “Ty” Smith Greene and Linda Harriot and Stan Richardson; cousins Keith Gleason, Imani Gooden-Skinner, Amber Skinner, Jade Skinner, Skyler Skinner, Reginald Terrence Skinner, Jr., Marissa Hanson and Christopher Ovalle. Gregory is also survived by a large extended family, numerous friends and co-workers. He was predeceased by grandmother Dorothy Abram in 2005.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Greg’s family on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Albany. The family requests that those attending “dress casual”.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Greg’s memory may be made to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204