Anthony T. Abbate Sr., age 81 of Bridgeport, beloved husband of more than 55 years to the late Martha Banull Abbate, died peacefully Friday, February 22, 2008. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son fo the late Antonio and Rosina Pellegrino Abbate. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, he was a retired maintenance employee of General Electric whom he worked for more than 40 years and was a member of their Quarter Century Club. He enjoyed for many years traveling with his wife, as well as making frequent trips to the casino. A member of AARP, he was a conscientious parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched. Survivors include his two devoted sons, Anthony T. Abbate Jr. and his wife, Donna and Allen J. Abbate and his wife, Sharon, all of Trumbull; five grandchildren, Benjamin Abbate, David Abbate and wife, Robyn, Liz Abbate Hyman and husband, Eric, Amy Benedict and husband, Tom and Nicole Abbate; two great-granddaughters, Hope and Faith Benedict; sisters, May Bruggar, Irene Harrison; brothers, Vincent Abbati, Prisco (Teddy) Abbati; a dear friend, Barbara Surina; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Julia Bennetti and Theresa Abbati Cawthra; a brother, Joseph Abbati. Friends are invited to attend funeral services Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home and in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church at 10 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment immediately followed in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Calling hours are Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main Street, Bridgeport (on the Trumbull line). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. To light a virtual candle or to express condolences online, please visit commercehillfh.com.

Published in Connecticut Post from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25, 2008.