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Thomas L. Abbott, Sr.
9/1/2017


CHICOPEE – Thomas L. Abbott, Sr., 70, of the Willimansett section of Chicopee was Called Safely Home on Friday, September 1, 2017. He passed into Eternal Life at Holyoke Medical Center surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Irvington, Lancaster County, Virginia on December 8, 1946, a beloved son of the late Benjamin Franklin Abbott, Sr. and Lorraine (Smith) Abbott. He was raised in Weems, Virginia, attended Lancaster High School and lived in Virginia until he entered the United States Air Force in1965. He served his country during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Sergeant. His military service brought him to Westover Air Force Base around 1968. Following his military service, Tom worked for several local paper mills including, Sunoco and Hazen Paper, both in Holyoke. He retired from Cellu Tissue in Connecticut as a Boss Machine Tender and Supervisor. During his leisure time, Tom enjoyed boating, fishing, billiards and trying his luck at the casinos. Most of all, he was a family man who loved his family and enjoyed many of the family holidays and get-togethers. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Enola Gay (Turgeon) Abbott who was Called Home on February 28, 2013. They were married at the Second Baptist Church in Holyoke and were blessed with over 42 years of happiness. In addition, Tom was predeceased by his cherished granddaughter, Julia Marie Garcia; and his dear brother, Benjamin Franklin Abbott, Jr. He leaves his loving children, Kathie A. Starke and her husband, Howard Starke of Indian Orchard, Tammie J. Abbott-Garcia and her husband, Heriberto Garcia, Laura L. Abbott-Gallacher and her husband, Glen Gallacher; and Thomas L. Abbott, Jr., and his wife, Jaime Abbott, all of Chicopee; his cherished grandchildren, Stephen, Johnathan and Amanda Starke, Christopher, Matthew and Michael Garcia, Brandon, Nathan and Ryan Gallacher and Christopher, Thomas, III and Rose Abbott; his cherished great-granddaughters, Elise Cupak and Briella, Audrey Ella, Aurora and Dakota Garcia; his dear brothers, Keith Abbott and his wife, Theresa of Weems, VA and David Abbott and his wife, Cindy, of Reedville, VA; his dear sister-in-law, Gloria Abbott of Woodstock, VA; his dear friend, David Danek of Westfield: and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. His Funeral will be held on Thursday morning, September 7, 2017 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), followed by a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home. His Burial with United States Air Force Military Honors will follow the Service at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children (Specify Springfield), 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels
13 Dale Street
Chicopee, MA USA 01020
413-532-9806