Abatto, George E.

ALBANY- George E. Abatto, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

George was born in Albany to his late parents, Susan and Nuncio Abatto. He was a graduate of Cathedral Academy, Cardinal McCloskey High School, Hudson Valley Community College, and the State University’s Empire State College.

George managed a Grand Union grocery store before launching a long career with the State of New York. He began as a clerk in the print shop in the Department of Transportation and retired 30 years later as the Deputy Commissioner for Administration in the Department of Taxation and Finance.

George was an active parishioner his entire life, devoting his time and talent at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. Francis of Assisi. George served his church community over the years as an alter boy, a lector, Chair of the Prayer and Worship Committee, Chair of the St. James Parish Council, Chair of the St. James School Board, and most recently a Trustee of the St. James/St. Francis Parish.

George loved a good German meal, a spirited game of pinochle, a family vacation at Virginia Beach, or a comfortable spot to watch his grandchildren do almost anything. He cherished the friendships he made in the community and throughout his career, and family was the center of his universe.

George is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Jean Kahlert Abatto; children Kim Verrelli (Frank), Teri Mangano (Robert), Mark Abatto (Jill), and Keith Abatto (Trish); grandchildren, Alex, Patrick, Gracie, Dana, Nicky, Jason, Kyle, Megan, Kevin and Sara; his siblings Dan Abatto (Nancy), Mary Rogers (late John), Susan Holmes (Barry), Jeanne Jenks (Mike), and Chris Abatto (late Carol); also survived by many nieces,nephews and dear friends Bob and Susan Tangorre.

The family would like to thank George’s medical providers, especially Dr. Sharon Tietgens and Dr. Jeffery Uzzillia for their years of compassionate care; and most recently the entire staff of the St. Peter’s Hospital ICU, the CCU team at Albany Medical Center, and the Daughters of Sarah Rehabilitation care team.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family on Monday, July 25 from 4-6 pm in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc., 490 Delaware Ave. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 26 at 10:00 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave. Interment will follow the Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 391 Delaware Ave. Albany, NY 12209 or to American Diabetes Association, in memory of George Abatto, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, or online at www.diabetes.org