Benjamin H Abbato

Benjamin H. Abbato, of Schenectady, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center. Ben was born on May 25, 1922 in Schenectady, NY, son of the late Michael and Angelina Oliva Abbato. He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. He served his country in the US Army during World War II. Ben courageously served in Germany, Northern France, Ardennes “Battle of the Bulge”, and Central Europe. He was awarded the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945. After returning home, Benny married his beloved wife, Dovie, on December 23, 1945. They resided in Schenectady and raised their family with much love and laughter. Ben was the co- owner of The Little Super Market on Helderberg Ave. for over 50 years with his brother-in-law, Dominic DiCarlo. He loved and considered his patrons part of his family. He was a member of the Rotterdam Elks, the VFW, and bowled in several leagues at Mont Pleasant Bowling Lanes. Most of all, Ben enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Benny was also predeceased by his wife, Dovie Swafford Abbato, his daughter, Carol Murphy, and his sisters and brothers in law; Philomena and Dominic DiCarlo, Antonette Boreali, and VitaSanta (Sandy) and Albert Chiofalo. He leaves behind his broken-hearted family: daughters, Nancy (Tim) Richardson of Saratoga Springs, Joyce (Charles) Fowler of Duanesburg and Patti (Mark) DiDonato also of Duanesburg, his son in law, James Murphy of Rotterdam, brother in law, Julius Boreali of Rotterdam, nine cherished grandchildren, 14 precious great grandchildren, as well as his very loved nieces and nephews. Ben was a man full of life, laughter, and love. He created a large, loving family with many traditions that will continue in his spirit. The world will be less bright without his “million dollar” smile and loving nature. The family would like to thank the staff at Kingsway for providing such loving care to our father for almost two years, as well as the staff at Community Hospice. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 10-12 noon at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at the funeral home. Committal services, with military honors, will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205, or to Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.