Howard 'Mike' Abbott

• 

Abbott, Howard "Mike" After ninety one years, Saint Paul has lost yet another from a generation of entrepreneurial giants in the local business community. But most importantly, a family has lost a great husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Howard "Mike" Abbott, founder of Abbott Paint & Carpet in 1945, passed away peacefully on May 31st, embraced by his entire family after a long struggle with Parkinson's. Mike was preceded in death by parents Howard and Mary Abbott, infant daughter Mary Shannon, wife Jeanne, and siblings Austin, Celine, Jake, and Fr. Gene. Mike is survived by Patty, his loving wife of twenty seven years, brother Jack (Sharon), children Kevin (Ann), Steve (Linda), Dave (Teri), Betsy (Mark), Tim (Jill), Michele (Mark), and Wendy. Step Children Chris (Bill), Kim, Lisa (Mike), Joe (Sue), and Molly (John). Grandchildren: Jennifer (John), Bridget (Michael), Michael (Erin), Danny, Tommy, Kelli (Joe), Kelsey (Tom), Allie, Natalie, Nick, Elise, Morgan, Riley, and Dylan. Step Grandchildren: Bill (Ashley), Joe K., Christy, Lindsey, Robbie, Louie, Mike, Joe S., Michael (Masada), Lauren (Steve), Katie, Maddie, Natalie, and Tommy. Great Grandchildren: Vincent, Simone, Elena, Stella. Step Great Grandchildren: Nora, and Gretchen. His fondest moments were spending time with each of them. Born in 1924, Mike was a lifelong Saint Paulite, who proudly attended St. Mark's Grade School, Saint Thomas Academy, and the College of St. Thomas. Mike was an avid golfer and a fifty year member at Midland Hills Country Club in Saint Paul. He was also a long time and a loyal parishioner of Assumption Parish. Mike and Patty spent six months each year in Naples, FL enjoying semi-retirement and entertaining many family and friends. In Naples, he was also a founding member of Colliers Reserve Country Club where he enjoyed golf and life with the "Minnesota Group" and their ever expanding circle of friends within the Naples community. All who met and knew Mike admired him for his strong work ethic and his ability to reach out to those in need. With his generosity he was able to help people quietly succeed and stand strong with dignity and respect. His contributions were "endless", and he believed "if you have something, give it back, because someone gave it to you." Mike was a genuine father and friend with an infectious smile and laugh and always a joy to be around. He was always a people person exemplified by his morning twenty minute walks becoming two hour visits to any and all. Never did a visit go by without Mike asking how you, your family, your work, or your interests were. Things were never about him. His passing may have faded life's color palette slightly, but his legacy of love, family, business and charity will shine vibrantly for eternity. The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the wonderful people at Allina Health Hospice Care and The Legacy Agency, in particular the caregivers: Moe, Mary, Heather, Adriene, Shine, Mainga, Stephanie, and Jamie. Also great thanks to Fathers John Malone, Steve O'Gara, and Greg Skrypek. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Friday, June 10 at Church of the Assumption (51 W. 7th St. St. Paul) with a visitation starting at 8:30 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Saint Thomas Academy and Little Sisters of the Poor. Arr. by O'Halloran and Murphy 651-698-0796

Published on June 5, 2016