Luther “Lu” Abel was born June 23rd, 1941 to David and Dorothy (née Hofmann) in New York. He was joined some years later by younger brother Paul. A scientist and engineer from a young age, he attended Brooklyn Technical High School, and then went on to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earning his bachelor degree in 1962. His graduate education was briefly interrupted by service in the US Army, working on communication technology, which he greatly enjoyed. Afterwards, he joined University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completed his PhD in computer engineering (1972), working on the Iliac IV supercomputer. Sailing was a lifelong passion - he was a lifetime member of the United States Power Squadron and was recognized as a longtime teacher of everything from basic boating skills and safety to celestial navigation. He was known for his practical approach to life (everyone should know how to change the oil on a car) and encouraging those around him. Lu died peacefully on May 5th, 2026 after a brief worsening of heart disease. He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Paul, and survived by his former wives - but still friends - Norma and Sandy, current wife Diane, stepson Phil, daughter Kate (Scott), and beloved grandchildren Simon and Audrey.