Rev. John Adam Abe, 65, retired priest of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond and resident of Our Lady of Hope Health Center, Henrico County, Va., died under hospice care after a prolonged struggle with early onset dementia. Father Abe loved being a priest. He was born in Washington D.C. and raised in the Barcroft neighborhood of Arlington, Va., where he attended St. Thomas More parochial school and Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School. While pursuing his B.S. in Economics and Finance from Virginia Tech, he was strongly influenced by the Catholic Campus Ministry of Fr. Jerry Przywara and began his discernment to become a priest. He attended seminary at the Catholic University of America, receiving his M.A. in Theology in 1984. He was ordained a priest on May 12, 1984 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. Father Abe served with distinction for over 34 years in the Diocese of Richmond, including Pastor of St. Matthew, Virginia Beach (7/2010 -12/2017); St. Bede, Williamsburg, (7/2005 - 6/2010); and St. Francis of Assisi, Staunton (6/1989 - 6/2005). He was devoted to the communities he served, demonstrating a rare combination of compassion, discipline and administrative skills and great sense of humor. He was a strong advocate for the sacraments, Christian education and the right to life. He was an accomplished speaker, community builder and shepherd to his people. Father Abe strove to help his parishes and schools grow to reach their highest potential. He loved to travel, leading numerous international trips abroad, including pilgrimages to Rome, Ireland and the Holy Land. Father Abe served as Associate State Chaplain of the Virginia Knights of Columbus and was an active member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Preceded in Death by father Alfred Abe and brother Douglas Abe. Survived by mother Elizabeth Abe, brother Joseph Abe and his wife Gail, and his sister Mary Abe. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, August 1 from 11 am - 12 noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. Visitation will begin at 10 am. A reception will follow Mass. Burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Richmond at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Saint Francis Home or Alzheimer Foundation of America.