I (Paul) met Gary in 1965 through our mutual friend Ken Conboy.  I introduced Gary to other close friends Dennis Eckardt, Henry Witkowski and Joe Salerno. We had in common our love of sports and played basketball, football, bowling and pool together.  
  Some remembrances:  Gary’s mom cooking bacon and eggs every Sunday morning for family and friends.  Driving upstate (after Gary turned 18) to have a couple beers.  In July 1967 the 6 of us played poker at my parents house late into the night. At 2AM we left for breakfast at the 24 hour diner.  When I returned at 3AM my dad was up.  Gary ‘s dad had woke my parents up, wanting to know where Gary was.  (I also got into to trouble for not leaving a note saying where we were going). 
  Gary and Ken got drafted soon after turning 18, and Dennis, Henry, Joe and I got college deferments (I served 6 years in a CT Army Reserve Unit).  I moved to CT with my parents in late 1968 and could only thereafter visit NJ occasionally.
  Around 1974 I visited NJ and 5 couple met for dinner.  When Gary was in the restroom the other 9 of us including Cathy got the waiter to bring a cake after the meal.  We all sang Happy Birthday dear Gary (it wasn’t Gary’s birthday),  We all laughed heartily. The pic of Gary and Cathy is from that night.
  The two below pics of Gary, Dennis, Henry and me (I’m in the yellow shirt with the mustache) was from our last gathering in the 1980’s.  I had hoped in retirement to reconvene our group, but Covid got in the way,  
  Gary was a loyal friend, mischievous, humorous and athletic and modest (I was unaware of the Bronze Star). Dennis told me yesterday that Gary “had a million dollar smile”!  The only quibble I had with Gary was he was a Red Sox fan.
  Gary’s actions, values and ethical character will continue to influence and shape the many lives that he touched.  Our belated condolences to Cathy and his loved ones.  He was one of the really “good guys” who deserved more time!

A cherished friend for 50 years!

Reading all of  these  joyous comments  really tells
Gary’s  Story.
His 72 year  journey was consistently  First- Class!
I can just hear him saying   “what a guy”! Right?

What a proud Legacy he leaves his family.

Gary adored Cathy! I think that the happiest  days
of his life when Cathy gave birth to Meghan and
Sweet Kaitlin. He loved his girls

Before kids. :) Great times dancin the Freddie with Gary- we all
would go to Sunday brunch and get home around
9 pm that evening! We all never laughed so hard.

One family trip to Utah We were all on a a river ride that went terribly wrong.. and Gary yells to 
us “we don’t need no stinkin Guide”!

One thing we are sure of is Gary didn’t need no
Stinkin  guide to  Heaven.

Rest In Peace Dear Friend.🧡💙🧡

Gary’s kind and gentle way will always be remembered. Loved all the wonderful conversations we had over the years. He will be missed!

Gary was a great fiend whom I have known  and shared many stories for many years.  He always had a smile on his face and was the most sincere friend in my life.  I could always count on Gary whenever I needed an honest answer.  We worked on many jobs together and always had fun and the days would go faster.  Afer I retired we still kept in contact quite often,  He left a mark on my life and I will never forget him.  God bless him and may he rest in peace.  

Bobby McPartland

Rest easy my classmate, friend and warrior! Charlie Krass🇺🇸


Our Deepest Condolences to
Cathy, Kaitlin, Meghan & families,
I had the pleasure of working with Gary while he was the VP of L638.  He was a great man who always took the time to help his  fellow Union Brothers and Sisters.
Gary, You will never be forgotten.
Thank you for all the many years of great memories and laughs.
Rest in forever peace.
Love & Prayers, Maria, Joe Klesin & Family

My condolences go out to his family, Gary was a warm and friendly man who always Represented LU 638 like the gentleman he was.I only have fond memories of him and how helpful he was to his union brothers in his role as our VP………….RIP Brother Abbate 

Gary was always a great guy! Nice to talk with and sincerely genuine!  

You will dearly be missed, Gary.  Although I haven’t seen you in years, I still have fond memories of you from NVRHS.  You will ALWAYS be “The Bopper” in my mind.

Sending prayers of comfort and strength to your family

Godspeed, Gary....RIP 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

OBITUARY

Gary Abbate

September 7, 1948 – August 14, 2021

Becker Funeral Home

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