Richard Abbott

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Weerts Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 27, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place privately at a later date.

Dick was born on March 10, 1934, in Buffalo, the son of Harold and Esther Abbott (Peacock).

He married his beloved wife, Veneta “Carol” Estes, on August 24, 1957, in Davenport, Iowa. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Dick cherished spending time with his family and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in baseball, football, gymnastics, cheerleading, softball, volleyball, and basketball. He loved family vacations, particularly fishing trips. Dick and Carol spent many winters traveling to the Rio Grande Valley and enjoyed trips to Alaska and the Bahamas. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, UNI Panthers, and the Chicago Cubs.

A 1952 graduate of Buffalo High School, Dick worked for 42½ years at Oscar Mayer, where he was honored as Employee of the Year. From 1975–1976, he served as president of the Bicentennial Committee and received a commendation from former Governor Robert Ray. Dick was instrumental in founding the Buffalo Historical Society and the Buffalo Museum. He was also a lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran Church, where he oversaw construction of the church addition in Buffalo.

Dick dedicated 35 years of service as a volunteer firefighter and served on the Buffalo City Council. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his children: Karen (Brian) Hass of Buffalo; Steven (Bonnie) Abbott of Waterloo; Pam Abbott of Buffalo; Roger (Sheila) Abbott of Davenport; Lisa (Dale) Sievert of Punta Gorda; and Michael Abbott of Buffalo. He is also survived by grandchildren Shannon, Troy, Garrett, and Kabri (Karen and Brian); Nicholas, Paige, Nicholas, Brittney, and Cortney (Lisa and Dale); and Bailey and Allie (Roger and Sheila); 23 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Frieda Foland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department.