Neil G.G. Abbott of Livonia passed away on December 27, 2016 at age 77.
Neil is survived by his cherished wife, Jacqueline L. Abbott; children Dawn Priestley (Jim) of Bloomfield NY, Carleen Fletcher (Rick) of Easton WI, and John (Pam) Wagner of Springwater NY; grandchildren Katie Wagner and Joshua Wagner; sister Agnes Eaton of Chatham NY; brother-in-law Carl Harris of Palmyra NY; nephews Charles (Kelly) Harris and Jerry Harris; and many dear friends.
Neil was predeceased by his parents Charles and Theresa Abbott, wife Madeline, sister Jane Harris and brother David Abbott.
Neil was commissioned an Air Force 2nd Lieutenant in 1962 after having completed ROTC at Denison University and served at Brooks Air Force base in San Antonio TX. He transferred to Vietnam in January 1966 where he served in Cameron Bay and Saigon. He then transferred to Ellison Air Force Base SD in January 1967. After 12 years of active duty, he retired at the rank of Captain in May 1974. Neil then had a second career of 28 years with NYS OPWDD.
Neil was a great patron of the arts, himself performing at the Linwood Summer Theater for 20 years. He supported and enjoyed years of Bristol Valley Theater, and the Stratford and Shaw Festivals of Ontario Canada. Neil absolutely enjoyed his family and extensive friends, wintering in N. Ft. Myers FL, and cruising the world. He was an active member of the American Legion, VFW and Conesus Lake Association. Neil always enjoyed his family and friends, his cats, a good book and a smooth brandy. He was fond of the jest that the whole country celebrated his Independence Day birthday.
Neil greatly appreciated his upbringing on the Gratwick Family Estate in Linwood NY, and shared the grounds with the public each year at the Gratwick Tree Peony Walk. He continued the support of the Abbott Library of the University of Buffalo, which was dedicated to his father. Neil remained a supporter of the Gratwick Society at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
A celebration of Neil’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society, PO Box 233, Avon, NY 14414 or Bristol Valley Theater, 151 South Main Street, Naples, NY 14512. Arrangements entrusted to the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Livonia ~ Honeoye. To share a memory or send a condolence please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Neil will be greatly missed. He was kind, generous, witty, intelligent and so much fun. Jackie and Neil introduced us to cruising, peonies walk and picnics on the estates, 3rd of July Ring of Fire/birthday parties for Neil at Conesus Lake. We loved watching him in the Linwood Plays and visiting them in Florida. Bob worked with Neil for many years and loved his company, stories, books and maps! With prayers and deep Sympathy, Carol & Bob Wells
I have known Neil Abbott for over 50 years. Rented an apt. on the estate for 13 years and knew the family well. Just saw Neil and Jackie this summer at Deer Run Winery on Conesus Lake at the summer concert series. I have many fond memories of life on the estate, especially Christmas in the Gratwick chapel on Christmas Eve followed by a great dinner at the Abbott’s home. Such a unique place to live and such fantastic people to have known!
My words can never do justice to what you have come to mean in my life so i leave you with these simple words “The tears’ that flow from my eyes’ come from my heart, when it has no more room to hold them.” going to miss you my friend. !!!!!!!!
We knew Neil as a strong but quiet man. Very intelligent. You learned this when you could sit down with him one-on-one. he had a lot of intriguing stories to tell. While he laughed at our corny jokes, he could throw in a few of his own at the Livonia Inn. He was a good man. He will be missed. Our most sincere condolences to his wonderful wife, Jackie.
Jackie – When we first bought our cottage many years ago now, you and Neil were always friendly and welcomed us, living three places away. There were no fences, etc. to keep neighbors separated. They were good times. After you moved, we saw you both occasionally at CLA affairs. Just want to say how very sorry we are about Neil’s passing. He was a good man and will be missed by many. Our very sincere sympathy.
It was always Jackie and Neil such a important part of our Conesus Lake Birthday club, peony walks , picnics. He was Jackies quiet observant partner, We will all miss his hardy laugh at corney jokes. Blessing wished to u Neil.We,ll surely drink a toast to You, Red of course Dolly and Al.
What a great man Neil was serving our country many years as well as our community. A true gentleman.
We are so sad to hear of Neil’s passing. We were Florida friends (& neighbors.) He had a wry sense of humor & a ready smile, that we found endearing. He was always ready for a game of one kind or another & was darn good at playing most anything. From reading the above obituary, he had lots to brag about, but never did. Rest in peace kind friend.
Neil was the only one I ever knew who had sat next to the poet William Carlos Williams at his dinner table. We enjoyed cruising with him and listening to him tell jokes at the Livonia Inn. He was a kind and generous man who will be missed by so many of his friends!