Robert Louis D'Abate

Robert Louis D’Abate, 83, of Rocky Hill, beloved husband for 61 years of Francesca (DiFabio) D’Abate, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, 2016. Born in Hartford on January 8, 1933, he was the son of the late Louis and Edith (Erickson) D’Abate. Bob was a graduate of Hartford Public High School, Trinity College and the University of Hartford. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1957. Bob retired as a Project Engineer from Pratt and Whitney in 1991. An avid musician, Bob played the trumpet in the Big Band Sound of the Forties orchestra. He also enjoyed traveling, golfing but especially loved to be with his family. Everyone who knew him loved his positive disposition. When asked how he was feeling, he always replied, “Fantastic!” In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his four children: Gary and Suzanne D’Abate of Cleveland, GA, Glen and Kirsten D’Abate of Medfield, MA, Greg and Kate D’Abate of Millis, MA and Gayle D’Abate and Shawn Grigus of Hammonton, NJ.; his grandchildren: Michael D’Abate, Adam D’Abate, Jane D’Abate, Amelia Hess and Colin Hess; along with his brother, Donald D’Abate of New London, CT. He was predeceased by his sisters: Frances Scheide, Betty Frary and Pauline Odegard.

Funeral services will leave Saturday, September 17th at 8:30 a.m. from the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Saint James Church, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Calling hours will be held TODAY (Friday) from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial will be private and at a later date. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06519 or at www.closertofree.com. For online expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.