Fay J. Abbass

Mr. Fay J. Abbass, age 90, of New Hartford, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2009 in the comfort and privacy of his home with his loving wife and devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on October 17, 1919, Fay was the son of the late Salim and Rehgie (Ferris) Abbass. He was raised and educated locally. On October 17, 1943 he married the former Elizabeth Anton with whom he shared 66 years of a blessed union. With love in their hearts and a balance of personalities in their parenting, their dedication to their children and grandchildren was their most powerful bond. Fay was a masterful salesman and a dedicated businessman. He began by assisting his late father and Uncle Joe in the family business of Abbass Grocery store, and neighborhood markets located in Utica and New Hartford. An insightful entrepreneur, he established and operated Abbass Carload Liquors located on Columbia Street, the venture which concluded his working career. Upon retirement, he was able to spend time at home with his family which was a great and memorable time in his life. He also tended to his vegetable and floral gardens with care. Fay’s personality could be characterized by his strong work ethic which he instilled in the generations that followed him. As a loving patriarch, he was sensitive and protective of the welfare of his family. Above all, his honesty in all phases of his life proved to be the backbone of his prideful existence and the legacy he leaves to his loved ones. He was also gifted with a musical interest in the acoustical guitar. He was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church. Fay is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his daughters, Yvonne Lavoie of RI, Kathleen “Kathy” Allen of New Hartford, Bethanne Abbass of TX, Lorraine Abbass of CA, and his daughter-in-law, Christine Abbass of Utica who he loved as a daughter; his sons and daughters-in-law, David J. Abbass of FL, and Phillip and Joan “Joni” Abbass, and Fay R. and Anne Abbass, all of New Hartford; and his son-in-law, James Lanza. Always close to his heart were the memories of his son, Richard Abbass, who passed away in 1992; his daughter, Elaine Lanza, in 2002; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Abbass; and his son-in-law, George Allen. He also leaves fifteen adored grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Survivors also include his sister, Jeannette Abbass of New Hartford with whom he shared a great closeness; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and the many longtime friends who graced his life. He also fondly remembered his favorite family dog, “Zeus”, who passed away five years ago. He was predeceased by his infant brother, Anthony. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Christopher Clark and his staff for their years of dedicated and personal commitment to Fay and his wife; and the personnel of One Caring Place for their compassionate service. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 3:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Fay's honor to the Abraham House; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Fay's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Fay J. Abbass

October 17, 1919 - December 10, 2009