South Glens Falls
John James Abbott Sr., 95, a lifelong resident of South Glens Falls, passed away on Monday November 14, 2016 at the Home of the Good Shepherd in Moreau surrounded by his family.
Born on January 20, 1921 in South Glens Falls, NY, he was the son of the late, Michael and Susan (Hoffis) Abbott.
John graduated from South Glens Falls High School in the class of 1937. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He served in England as an air traffic controller and participated in Operation Overlord (D-Day).
Following John’s honorable discharge in 1945, he began his restaurant career by opening Mike and John’s with Michael Hoffis. In 1953, he partnered with his brother Sheffield to open Sheff & John’s Lunch in South Glens Falls. They went on to purchase Abbott’s Restaurant in South Glens Falls from their brother Francis. They ran it successfully for many years until they retired in July 2001.
On October 1, 1966 John married the love of his life, Patricia Maillard in South Glens Falls at St. George’s Orthodox Church. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
John was a 70-year member of the American Legion Mohican Post 553 in South Glens Falls. He was also one of the first members of the South Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Department. John enjoyed bowling, trips to the casinos, watching the New York Yankees, and especially spending time with family.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by 9 his brothers and sisters, George Abbott, Francis Abbott (Dorothy), Sheffield Abbott (Lorraine), Abraham Abbott (Dorothy), Ann Harrington, Helen Wilkerson (Floyd), Katherine Abbott, Mary Abbott and Martha Johnson (Lloyd) along with his niece Barbara Wood and nephew Michael Johnson.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Patricia M. Abbott of South Glens Falls, his son, John Abbott Jr. and his wife, Susan of Wilton; his daughters, Stephanie Groendyk and her husband Jason of Timnath, Colorado and Karolyn Abbott of South Glens Falls; his grandchildren, David Abbott, Ryan Abbott, Christian Groendyk, Carey Groendyk and Sloane Groendyk; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-neices, great-nephews and cousins.
Friends and family are invited to call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main St. South Glens Falls, NY 12803.
A funeral service will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday November 22,2016 at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home 136 Main St. South Glens Falls with Rev. Patti Girard officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.
Johns family would like to thank the staff at the Home of the Good Shepherd and Community Hospice for their kindness and care with John.
In lieu of flowers Johns family suggests donations be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga 179 Lawrence St. Saratoga, NY 12866.
To view John’s Book of Memories and to post online condolences please visit www.kilmerfunerlahome.com.
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