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Conwell Worden “Deke” Abbott was born on October 8, 1909, in Clifton Park, New York. His father Dudley was 42, and his mother Jennie was 35. He graduated from Rye High School in 1926 and from Middlebury College in 1930. He was a Rye resident growing up and graduate of Rye High School who served in World War II.
Date of Birth: 10/8/1909
Died On: 1/12/2013
Street Address: 11 Elm Place
Service Number: 14066542
Branch of Service: U.S. Army Air Corps – Eighth Air Force
Abbott enlisted in the Armed Forces on December 31, 1941 and chose the Air Corps. He spent three years at headquarters of the Eighth Air Force in Finance at Bushy Park in Great Britain. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Abbott married Frances Judge on June 25, 1947, in Peekskill, New York. They had two children during their marriage. His family lived at 11 Elm Place in Rye, near their cousins the O’Dells, and attended the Methodist Church.
Abbott enjoyed following the stock market, winning at bridge, playing and watching golf, and traveling. He also wrote an autobiography, Born in 1909, which is available to read online. Gov. John Lynch attended Abbott’s 103rd birthday party and named October 8, 2012 Conwell “Deke” Abbott Day in the State of New Hampshire.
Conwell W. Abbott January 12, 2013 at the Veterans’ Home in Tilton, New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Frances (Judge) Abbott, his son, James C. Abbott and his sister, Dorothy Degraw. He is survived by his daughter Ruth and her husband Daniel T. Clark of Reading, MA; daughter-in-law, Mary Abbott of Plattsburgh, NY; seven grandchildren, four great granddaughters and a nephew. More on Abbott.
