Michael Eugene Abbatiello, respected teacher, coach
Michael Eugene Abbatiello, 75, of Ocean View, formerly of Long Island, N.Y., passed away Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, unexpectedly while refereeing a football game in Greenwood.
Mike was born in Queens, N.Y., Nov. 17, 1941, son of the late Michael and Lucille (Catena) Abbatiello. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School and St. John's University in New York. Mike also proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960-64 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He married Donna Sterner Nov. 22, 1967, and they just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
He was a well loved and respected teacher and coach at Rocky Point School District in Rocky Point, N.Y., where he worked for more than 30 years. He loved being both a baseball umpire and football referee. Mike was also an active soup kitchen volunteer at Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View, and was a member of the Marine Corps League.
Mike and Donna moved to Ocean View in 2002 following their retirement. He was known for his avid storytelling, his love of teaching and his proud service to our country. He loved his family more than anything. Mike was incredibly proud of his children, loved spending time with his grandchildren, and had an incredible love story with his wife.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Donna; three children, Suki Volk and her husband Kurt of Wellesley, Mass., Don Abbatiello and his wife Christine of Easton, Md., and Jennifer Nein and her husband Matt of Georgetown; and six grandchildren, Jacob, Will, Madelyn, Matthew, Elodie and Lilia.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, at Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Mike's name to Holt International at www.holtinternational.org, Marine Corps Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org or Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church at the above address.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
