ABEL, Nathaniel "Nat" - In San Francisco, on September 12, 2005, at age 91, from heart failure. Beloved husband of Katherine Abel for 62 years. Loving father of David Abel of Portland, OR, and Michael Abel of Ross, CA. Adoring grandfather of Benjamin Abel USMC, and Samuel Abel USN. Dear brother of Robert, Leonard, and Franklin Abel and the late Kathryn Koffs and Jack Abel. Mr. Abel and his wife, Katherine moved to San Francisco in 1960. In 1962 Mr. Abel started the Abel Wholesale Company of SF which distributed office and school supplies around Northern California for 40 years. An enthusiastic salesman, Nat would make the rounds of his clients well into his 70s. Nat and his identical twin brother Jack were born on Sept. 6th 1914 in Washington, DC. In those days Washington had a small town atmosphere. Nat and Jack spent their boyhood days cavorting in the reflecting ponds in front of the Capitol. They would hang out at the family store in the now chic Georgetown section of town or play along the Potomac River. One time while the family business was making a delivery to the White House, the White House chef (knowing that it was the twin's birthday) baked them a birthday cake. In the early 1930s Nat and Jack were able to acquire an automobile. Since they only drove one vehicle and Nat and Jack looked alike, both of them shared Jack's license. Nat acquired his business skills the hard way when his father precipitously died while Nat was still a teenager. He was forced to quit law school and take over operation of the family business. Nat served in the Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds during World War II. Jack was killed at Iwo Jima in the Pacific in January 1945. Despite this terrific loss Nat never harbored any anger toward the Japanese and embraced the culture of Japan. Nat and his wife took several trips to Japan and enjoyed the friendship of several prominent Japanese industrialists. He decorated his home with Japanese and Asian Art. A Mason and a member of the Concordia-Argonaut Club for many years, Nat was popular for his sense of humor and card playing skills. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 14th at 2pm at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park Chapel, 1301 El Camino Real, Colma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the SF Jewish Community Federation or the SF Jewish Home. SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL.