Bellisario "Benny" Abbatematteo, Born September 7, 1930, he passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife Carol (Stiles) Abbatematteo ; his children: Danise Davis, Kathe Plante, Cindy Gould, Carolann Nadeau, Michael Abbatematteo, Lynn Farrar, Deborah Grande, Kelly Wolinski, Ellie Buxton and Jean Abbatematteo, their spouses; 22 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Tony Abbatematteo.
Benny served in the United States Air Force from 1947-1951; serving in the Korean War. Mr. Abbatematteo had a lifelong passion for sports. He played with the Smithfield Hockey “Old Timers” league for many years.
He served as role model and coach for youth throughout Glocester, Smithfield and Burrillville. He served the Smithfield Little League organization for over 35 years, serving as a coach as well as the equipment manager for the league. He coached in several different organizations including the Burrillville/Glocester Girls’ Soccer Association and in Smithfield girls’ soccer and softball. When not working or coaching, Benny could be found at Waterman’s Lake where he has resided for the past 45 years. Benny would often be seen enjoying water skiing himself, or towing along his family and their many friends for hours on end.
Funeral services will be held Saturday March 19th at 9:30am in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Greenville Common, Greenville, RI. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016 from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Benny's name may be made to the Smithfield Little League, c/o 15 Peace Pipe Trail, Smithfield, RI 02917