William M. Abbott, 75, of Housatonic St., and Stuart, Fla., died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at Berkshire Medical Center after suffering a massive heart attack. Born in Pittsfield, Aug. 11, 1934, son of Ned and Laura Schulz Newberry Abbott, he attended local schools and was a 1953 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Mr. Abbott served in the Air Force from 1956-60 and during that time was stationed in the Philippines, Texas, and Florida. He was employed as an assembler at General Electric Co. Ordnance Division for 31 years, retiring in 1993, and previously had worked as a carpenter. Mr. Abbott was a communicant of St. Ann's Church in Lenox. He was also a member of the GE Quarter Century Club, IUE Local 255, and the Italian American Club in Pittsfield. He enjoyed swimming, bocce, fishing, traveling, and watching sports. He and his wife, the former Theresa J. Pereira, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past Aug. 1st, in Alaska and were also honored at a party given by their daughters at their home. Besides his wife, of Lenox, Mr. Abbott leaves two daughters, Dawn Marie Abbott-Croll, and her husband, John, of Scituate, and Shelley Jeanne Abbott-Polk, and husband, Christopher, of Stuart; two grandchildren, Laura Grace and Evan William; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Theodore Abbott. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral will be Monday morning at 8 a.m. from the ROCHE FUNERAL HOME followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 8:30 at St. Ann's Church celebrated by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, Pastor. Burial with full military honors will follow at 11 a.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Abbott's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society, both in care of the funeral home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA. 01240.

Published in The Berkshire Eagle on 10/2/2009