Obituary of George D. Abbott

George D. Abbott of Vestal George D. Abbott, 71, of Vestal, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Dorothy Abbott; his wife, Mae Abbott; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bill and Lorna Kinney. He is survived by his sisters, Cheryl Pettyjohn (Roy), Marie Abbott, Roberta Guerrierio (Al); his children, Keith Abbott (Cherie), Tina Zacharias (Bill), and Kirk Abbott (Carrie); his grandchildren, Steve Zacharias (Jacqylyn), Brian Zacharias (Jenn), Ashley Evans (Dwight), Kirstie Abbott, Kyle Abbott, and Cole Jacob Abbott; his great-grandchildren, Morgan, Leann, Jordan and Taylor; special family friends, Bob and Judy Shaw, Joanne and Brian Wilkins, Shawn Beach, and Jackie Bucinell. George was a 43 year member of the Vestal Volunteer Fire Department, Station #3, and had served as Chief and Department Chief. He was a retired operating engineer and had worked for Binghamton Steel Erectors. George was dedicated to racing and supported his sons and grandsons throughout their racing careers. He was the former Head of Shangri-La Speedway in Owego and worked to ensure the safety of all drivers through the development of the safety response team and was Head of the Fire and Safety Crew at the speedway for 25 years. Funeral services for George will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 12 noon at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main St., Vestal, with the Vestal Fire Dept. Chaplin, Clark Baldwin, officiating. Burial will follow in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive their friends, at the funeral home, on Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. and also on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850; or to the Vestal Fire Station #3, c/o Town of Vestal Clerks Office, 605 Vestal Parkway West, Vestal, NY 13850.