Richard Edward 'Dick' Abbott, 87, of Kent, died Sunday, October 16, 2016 at his home, after a long illness.
He was born July 13, 1929 in Boston, MA to Herbert A. and Olive N. (Abbott) Finegan. Richard was a veteran of the Army serving in World War II and was stationed in Sendai, Japan. Richard was Founder/Owner of ACRT, Inc and formerly a Vice President of the Environmental Services Division at Davey Tree. Prior to joining Davey Tree he was a Forester Supervisor for American Electric Power and Central Hudson Gas & Electric. He was instrumental in forming and instituting safety standards for the industry. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Kent, Past President and member of International Society of Arboriculture, Buckeye Chapter International Society of Arboriculture, Kent Rotary Club, Garden Club of Kent and a Past Director, Portage County Parks District Board and a Board member of Coleman Professional Service.
Richard was honored and received the distinguished Alumni Award at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Carol (Morse) Abbott, whom he married on May 27, 1984; son, Richard F. Abbott of Kent; daughters, Mary Jo (Dr. John) Erickson of Oak Park, IL, Susan Casey of Wooster, Ann (David) Meixner of Laurel, MD, Sally (Jeff) Saltzman of Stow, Jane (Michael Wulk) Abbott of Westlake and Patricia (Donald) Andrews of Torrance, CA; eighteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Charles) Lucas of Falmouth, MA; step-sons, Michael (Cindy) Weidner of Mogadore and Thomas Weidner of Cincinnati; step-daughters, Kathryn (James) Pittman of Rittman and Alane (Keith) Updegraff of Tallmadge. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn G. (Harrington) Abbott; sister, Jane Ann Adams; and brothers, Robert Powers, Warren and Howard Finegan.
Calling hours will be held 1-3 and 6-8 PM Wednesday, October 19 at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent, OH. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, October 20 at United Methodist Church of Kent with Rev. Dr. David Palmer and Rev. Douglas Denton officiating. Burial will be held at Standing Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240 the Portage County Park District, 705 Oakwood Street G4, Ravenna, OH 44266 or the American Legion Post #496, 1945 Mogadore Road, Kent, OH 44240.