In Loving Memory of Paul Leroy Abowd
Paul Leroy Abowd, beloved patriarch and culinary pioneer, passed away peacefully at home on March 11th, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Paul was born on June 11th, 1927, in Fremont Ohio, to Charles and Evelyn Abowd, the fourth of five children. He embarked on his culinary journey at a young age, working in his father’s family-run restaurants in Ohio and later on Market Street in San Francisco, next to the famous Warfield Theater.
It was in one of those restaurants where he met Adele, the love of his life, who he married on September 26, 1950, while he was in the Marine
Corps. The following summer, they welcomed their first son, Charlie, and soon after, Paul left the military to start his first restaurant with his partner, Adele.
With a spirit of entrepreneurship and determination that would turn out to be life-long, Paul and Adele established a thriving restaurant legacy together. Paul’s first restaurant was “Eat” in El Cerrito. Never shy of hard work, he did whatever it took to succeed. Having no staff, he waited tables himself, cooked the meals and cleaned the dishes. As business progressed in 1953, Paul and Adele welcomed their second son, Michael, and opened “Peg’s Glorified Ham and Eggs”, in Richmond. Family and restaurant expansion soon followed with a second Peg’s in Oakland, “Peg’s Pastries and Catering”, and daughter, Colette, their third child.
After selling the Peg’s restaurants, Paul moved on to his next venture, “Bergoffs” in Oakland. Soon after, with Paul’s brother, Eddie, running “Bergoffs”, Paul moved the family back to Cleveland, Ohio to run “Pam’s Steakhouse”. Ohio also brought the happy arrival of their fourth child, daughter, Cyrina. As a family of six, Paul and Adele continued. to build their name in the restaurant industry and showcase their dedication to service and excellence in creating dining experiences.
Within a year or so, the family moved back to California and Bergoffs. Always looking to improve, Paul soon began working with visionary Hank Rubin at “Pot Luck” in Berkeley, a restaurant known back then to serve the most inventive and sophisticated food in the San Francisco East Bay. A series of restaurants followed including the “Black Knight” in Oakland, “Padovan’s on the Green” in Castro Valley, “Patty’s” in Oakland, two “Blue Lion” restaurants, one in Oakland and one in San Leandro, and “Plateau 7” in San Jose. Ever passionate about sports, Paul somehow managed to find time to be the founder of a five-team Little League, which involved his two brothers and his sons, as well as coaching PE and basketball at his children’s school.
It was in 1978, after more than 35 years in California, that Paul and Adele decided on a change of scenery, moving to Carson City to first open the extremely popular “Adele’s Restaurant and Bar” and later “Adele’s at the Plaza” and the first “Peg’s Glorified Ham and Egg’s”, both in Reno. With an amazing string of successful restaurants to their name, Paul and Adele weren’t done yet.
Over the years, Adele and Paul hosted fundraisers, community events, and political functions at their home. Their generosity knew no bounds, and Paul believed in giving back to those he served, mentoring aspiring culinary students, and shaping the next generation of restauranteurs. In recognition of their service. in 1991 Governor Miller issued a proclamation to honor Paul and Adele as two remarkable Nevada humanitarians. Then in 2002, the Nevada Legislature extended their admiration and gratitude with a Senate Bill, honoring Paul and Adele for their contributions to the restaurant industry in Nevada, their culinary expertise, and their energetic service to the people of the state.
After selling “Adele’s at the Plaza” and “Peg’s” in 2003, Paul and Adele began planning their next eatery. Sadly, Adele passed away in 2004, but in September 2005, at the age of 78, Paul, a father, grandfather and great grandfather, opened the Stone House Café, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week! After a lifetime of hard work, passion, and dedication to food, it is arguably his most successful restaurant to date! Now operated by his daughter Cyrina, the enchanting outdoor patio reflects Adele’s vision of a beautiful setting for their guests. Paul’s dedication to serving others remained unwavering, even as he stepped away from the kitchen, he could be found rolling silverware in napkins as he kept a keen eye on the restaurant operations. Adele would often tell you that her husband believes that feeding people is one of the greatest honors… one that he valued for more than 70 years and continued to treasure to his last day.
Paul Leroy Abowd’s impact transcends the culinary world; it lives on in the hearts and memories of his family, friends, staff, chefs who had the pleasure of training under his guidance and all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a father, grandfather, and great grandfather he remained active in knowing and being connected to every facet of life. Above all else, Paul lived each day for his family. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for his kindness, generosity, selflessness, and unyielding commitment to excellence in all endeavors.
He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Adele, and his grandsons, Paul and Eric, as well as brothers, Joseph and Edward, and sister, Charlotte. Paul is survived by his four devoted children: Charlie (Karen), Michael (Wendy), Colette, and Cyrina. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his five grandchildren: Racquel (Scott), Jeremiah (Nicole), Nicole (Richard), and Josh (Christine); and his ten great-grandchildren Austin, Cameron, Abby, Mallory, Anna, Emily, Ryan Tristen, Paige, and Ava. He is also survived by his sister, Cyrina, cousin, Jerry (Denise); nephew, Bill, and numerous extended family members who he remained close to throughout his life.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 15th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 100 Bishop Manogue Dr. Reno, NV 89511.
Celebration of Life Reception immediately following at Atlantis Resort Spa, 3800 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502.
Entombment on Tuesday, April 16th, at 10.00 a.m., at Mountain View Cemetery, 435 Stoker Ave Reno, NV 89503
Should you wish to remember Paul, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities:
Nevada Humane Society - https://nevadahumanesociety.org/donate/
The Greenhouse Project - https://www.carsoncitygreenhouse.org/
St. Jude’s Children's Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/donate/
SPCA of Northern Nevada - https://spcanevada.org/