Robert “Bob” Abbanat, a Winchester resident of 47 years, died in his sleep on June 8 at the age of 84.
Bob was born in Biwabik, Minnesota in 1925. Valedictorian at Virginia (MN) High School, he played football and was a flutist in the school band, working summers on a crew at the Mesabi Iron Range. At eighteen, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during WWII as a tank driver and communications instructor, attaining the rank of corporal. After an honorable discharge from the military, Bob took advantage of the GI Bill, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering at MIT, and then a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard. Following initial employments in the Midwest, Bob returned to Massachusetts in 1963, moving his young family to Winchester to earn a Doctorate in Business Administration at Harvard. His career ultimately encompassed a number of teaching positions, including appointments at Boston State College and Northeastern University. He later designed and taught classes that brought the principles of business management to military personnel at Fort Devens, and the Hanscom, Otis and Pease Air Force Bases.
Bob was an unusual man by today’s standards, one who sometimes questioned the norms of our modern, complex world. He consistently advocated and demonstrated a different approach, encouraged by the tenet of his favorite poem: live in the house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man. His was a simple, honest life, unencumbered by interest in money and possessions. His motives were pure, and his dedication to his Roman Catholic faith and family unwavering. Education was a goal, not a means. While he held those close to him to high standards, they were never higher than those he imposed on himself. An introspective man, his children came to better understand his ways as life delivered to them the issues with which he wrestled. His wife perceived his virtue clearly from the start.
In keeping with his ideals, Bob recognized the benefits of walking over use of the car. In times past he was a familiar sight to many, plying the streets of Winchester in route to work, church and other events. Bob sacrificed in his commitments to family. His selfless approach permitted him to encourage his wife to enroll in and graduate from BC Law School. With his unfailing support, this mother of five became a successful lawyer at a time when nearly all lawyers were men.
He was persistent in his efforts to impress upon his children the values that he held dear: that Sunday Mass, as testimony to one’s abiding faith in God, was never to be missed; that one should always aspire to the highest levels of education; and that one should be tolerant of all peoples, regardless of skin color or religious beliefs. Bob also strove to ensure that his children understood their obligations to community. For example, his sons recall the many instances in which New England’s winter storms delivered opportunities to contribute. Bob’s expectations were clear: where elderly neighbors were unable to shovel, his sons would. These labors were imposed with the requirement that any payment offered by a grateful neighbor was to be declined. In fact, any such prize brought through his doors would be promptly returned. Thirty years later his sons continue to see winter storms as an opportunity to show their neighbors a bit of unilateral appreciation. Such was the force of Bob’s lessons.
Bob is survived by his wife Georgeann (Ferguson), four sons Brian, Darren, Paul and Robert, and two daughters Georgeann Abatzis and Carolyn Villafane. Bob was proud of the fact that all achieved post?graduate degrees during his watch. Other surviving family members include nine grandchildren and his sister Lois Ann Malloy of Michigan. We appreciate your taking this moment to reflect on Bob’s unique approach to life. A Funeral Mass was held on Sat., June 12 in St. Eulalia’s Church, 50 Ridge St., Winchester, MA 01890. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Eulalia’s Church at the above address. Burial with military honors was held in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester.