Marlborough – On November 30, Kenneth G. Abbott (Kib to family and Ken to friends and colleagues) of Marlborough MA, precious husband and beloved father of two daughters, passed away a month shy of his 95th birthday due to complications following a fall on Veteran’s Day that fractured his hip.
Mr. Abbott was born in Arlington, MA on December 31st 1924 and was a 1942 graduate of Hudson High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United Stated Marine Corps and proudly served aboard the carrier USS Intrepid, which attacked the Marshall Islands and Truk. He served with the Fleet Marine Force on Guam and Okinawa as a member of the Second Aircraft Pavilion. During the Korean War, he was called back with his reserve unit, the 2nd Infantry Battalion of Boston. He was a plank owner and life member of the USS Intrepid Association, men of the Intrepid WWII in the VFW; and he enjoyed participating in many reunions over the years with the New England Marines who served aboard the Intrepid.
After the war, Mr. Abbott attended Boston University on the GI Bill where he earned his undergraduate degree in English and his MA in Guidance, and later his CAGS in Administration from Northeastern University. He taught English and was a Guidance Counselor at Saugus High School, a Guidance Director at Chatham and Harwich Schools on the Cape and a High School Principal in Harwich and later in Maynard for many years. Throughout his 50 year career, he was always a caring and giving educator. After his retirement as a principal, he still served as a substitute teacher in Northborough elementary schools until his mid-eighties because he loved working with kids.
Devoted husband and father, Mr. Abbott leaves his wife Claire (Normine) of 73 ½ years, two daughters Carolee Abbott of Chatham and Laurel Abbott-Coffey of Templeton, a grandson Kenneth Abbott Sears and his wife Melody, great-granddaughter Cecelia Claire and great-grandson Elliott. Mr. Abbott is survived by his older brother William Abbott of Red Bank, New Jersey as well as many nieces and nephews – the Abbott, Normine and Esposito families – to whom he was beloved Uncle Kibbee. Mr. Abbott is also survived by his large extended family with whom he loved to spend time and enjoy family celebrations. He welcomed Suzanne and Oscar and their sons Kalen and Braeden; Clancy and Scott and their daughters Eliana and Olivia; former son-in-law Gerry, his children Don and Beth and families; and Danny and his family. Mr. Abbott is pre-deceased by his two older sisters Madelon and Ruth and his younger brother Chester as well as his son-in-law John.
A memorial celebration of Mr. Abbott’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 10:45 at Short and Rowe Funeral Home at 95 West Main Street in Marlboro, MA followed by a 1:00 internment at Mass Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA
