CWO (Ret) Russell E. Abbott, U. S. Army, 86, of Carlisle, Pa. died on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Carlisle Regional Medical Center.  He was born on December 2, 1930 in Fall River, Mass., and was a son of the late Robert S. and Irene (Cummings) Abbott.  He was married to the late Gabrielle (Gaucher) Abbott, who died on July 12, 2016.

Russell graduated from Durfee High School in Fall River.  A great man passed away whom was beloved by many. He grew up poor in Fall River and by working two to four jobs his whole life he was able to take care of his family. We weren’t rich but him and my mother took in many relatives as well as their kid’s friends when they were in need asking for nothing in return. Many kids beside his own called him Dad. He went out of his way to make them feel special and let them know that someone cared about them. He was always going to his kid’s sporting events and school events and he was very proud of them. He coached church basketball and was often an usher at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle where he was a loyal member. When he was your friend he was very loyal and if someone needed his last dollar even though he needed it he would give it to them not expecting anything in return. When he gave his word it was golden. He adored all of his dogs especially his Scottish Terriers. He was a Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Steeler fan but most of all a HUGE UCONN Women Huskies basketball fan. Every time he saw a tall young lady he tried to recruit her for UCONN basketball.

He was a proud Veteran of the Korean War and he trained in a Sherman Easy 8 tank.  Russell retired as a Chief Warrant Officer after 25 years of service with the U. S. Army and Army Reserve.  He was an expert marksman. One time while hunting with his son he paced off a hundred yards and said he was going to shoot a triangle in a tree without a scope and he did.

Besides his kids the love of his life was his wife Gabby whom he adored and took care of for eight years while she battled Parkinson’s disease until her passing in July 2016. He was never the same and all he wanted was to be with his wife again and now he has his wish. I know right now they are renewing their vows in heaven after being reunited. He’s now a happy and complete man again. He was loved dearly and both him and my mother’s passing will always leave us with an aching heart but most importantly they left us with a lot of love.

He is survived by one son, Russell W. “Rabbit” Abbott of Etters, one daughter, Michelle J. (husband, David) Kimble, three granddaughters; Lisa Kimble, Denise (husband, Brett) Holloman and Melissa (husband, Anthony) Halicki, one grandson, Ryan Kimble, one great-granddaughter, Sophia Holloman and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by one brother, Robert S. Abbott.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA with Rev. David Bateman officiating.  A time of fellowship will follow the graveside service at 12:00 noon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, On the Square, Carlisle.  Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is in charge of the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, c/o Russell W. Abbott, 200 Sam Snead Circle, Etters, PA 17319.  www.Since1853.com