Obituary of Richard T. Abbott

Our beloved father, grandfather and brother passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2015 at his home with his family by his side. He was 90 years old. Richard T. Abbott was born on October 8, 1925 in Saginaw, the fifth of 10 children to the late Frank and Mary (Pytlewski) Abbott. He was a 1943 graduate of St. Anthony High School. Following Graduation he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps from September 15, 1944 to June 1, 1946 serving as a rifleman in the South Pacific Islands of Peleliu and Palau. He received a Purple Heart while valiantly serving his country. Upon his return he attended college in Ontario, Canada on a basketball scholarship. He married Riva Meredith in November 1949 and had four beautiful children: Jennifer Abbott and her husband, Dan Westcott, Julie Kirk and her husband, Terry, Jane Abbott-Mitchem and the late Michael Mitchem, and Richard T. Abbott Jr., and his wife Jessica. In 1950 he began a 32 year career with Michigan Bell/AT&T. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post # 1566. Richard enjoyed going to the casino and was a platinum card holder with high earnings at the Soaring Eagle Casino. He was a martini connoisseur and philanthropist to A&D Hospice. He was an accomplished fly fisherman and a big game hunter. Dick was a world traveler, professional driver and self-proclaimed semiprofessional golfer. Above all he loved and cherished his children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. Surviving besides his children are five grandchildren: Christopher Kirk, Jackson Abbott, Syrci Abbott, Gwen and Maddie Mazur; a sister, Doris Stuedemann; two brothers: Tony Abbott and his wife, Mary Jane and Jack and his wife, Beverly; and two sisters-in-law, Rose Marie Abbott and Joanne Abbott. Also surviving countless relatives and many near and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Babe Abbott, Margaret Hardy, Pete Abbott, Honey Volk, Joanne Abbott and Mike Abbott. Honoring Dick's wishes cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.