John P. Abdallah

John P. Abdallah passed away peacefully with family by his side at home in Westport on Saturday, January 29, 2022. He was 82. He was the beloved husband of Betty-Ann Petrillo-Abdallah. John was a proud educator: math teacher, vice-principal and principal in Fall River, and a local entrepreneur.

Mr. Abdallah suffered from a debilitating brain disease that may have taken him away from this world, but he will be remembered for his beautiful mind that shines a beacon of light for his family and friends.

John was born in Fall River to the late Peter J. and Emily (Kaliff) Abdallah. He was educated at St. Patrick’s School and was a proud graduate of Durfee High School, Class of 1958. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Bradford Durfee Technical College. He began his teaching career first as a Math Teacher at the John J. McDonough School, and then taught the same subject at Kuss Middle School. While John was teaching at Kuss, he earned his Master’s in Education from Bridgewater State College. Later, he became Vice-Principal and eventually Principle of Kuss. John’s pride was in his students and his school. He shared his passion for learning with thousands of children and fellow educators over the years.

During school breaks, John spent his time as an entrepreneur growing the Abdallah Fruit and Vegetable Stand during the 1960s and ’70s. Later, John took over the Baker’s Beach Snack Shack management for nearly three decades. John operated the grill but was famous for his Lebanese specialty: hummus and tabouli. The only thing that outshined his food was his personality and kindness to countless members. John and Betty Ann spent many fun summers together with family and friends at the Snack Shack and retired together in 2012 from Baker’s.

Besides his wife, John leaves his children from his prior marriage to Maureen (Harrison), including sons Peter (wife Joanne), Mark (partner Kim) and David (wife Houda); daughters Lynn Carvalho and Lori Abdallah-Bertoncini, as well as a stepdaughter Lisa Cousineau. John was blessed with nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Abe Abdallah, of FL and many loved nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his sister Joan Schaffer, brother Paul Joseph, and his second wife, Barbara Isaac.

John lived a long and full life best described as a journey of purpose. He instilled a strong work ethic and strived to positively impact his family, friends, students, and the community. Although he will be deeply missed, John would want everyone to remember, “everything will be fine and dandy.”

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the SouthCoast Hospice VNA and the staff for their care, compassion, and endless support.

His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 10 AM in Good Shepard Parish at the former St. Patrick’s Church, 1598 South Main Street, Fall River. For those of you who are unable to attend, you may view the Funeral Mass via Facebook livestream using the link below. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory would be appreciated in support of SouthCoast Hospice VNA at 200 Mill Rd, Fairhaven, MA 02719.