Michael Theodore Abbene, Sr. A.F.S.C.

Michael Theodore Abbene, Sr. passed away on Monday, September 15, 2014 at his home at the Meridian at Lake San Marcos. Michael was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 12, 1923 to Theodore and Alice M. Abbene (nee Stack). He was raised in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York with 2 sisters, Lillian Volanti McCoy and Marie Alice Keeney. He graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School (1937) and John Adams High School (1941). With the start of WWII, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. After training at Chanute Field in Rantoul, Illinois, he served as a weatherman based on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil from 1942-45. He always talked fondly of the trips he took to Brazil. After the war, he returned home to New York and married Rita Marie Ring on June 22, 1946 (dec. May 13, 1968), moving to Broad Channel, Queens. He worked during the day at Equitable Life and then R.H. Donnelly, and also found time to attend New York University and graduated with a BS in Management in 1949, forever wearing his NYU ring proudly. With their 1st of 4 children - Michael T., Jr, they headed back to Richmond Hill (buying the house next door to where he grew up!). Second and third children came - Margaret Ann Abbene Johnson and John James. Needing a bigger house, the family moved to Baldwin, New York, prior to the birth of fourth child, Daniel Joseph. Michael worked at Mailings, Inc. NYC in 1949 as Production Manager, and then in 1962 purchased Mailings and also started Scheduled Mailings in Rockville Centre, NY. He owned and ran both companies until he sold to Publishers Clearing house in 1973, where he continued to work. Following the death of his wife Rita, he married Alice Fitzpatrick Boyle (dec. 10/11/2008) in October 1968 and along with her two children Barbara White-Bruigom and Michael, the house in Baldwin was full. During his business years, he belonged to many organizations and attained many honors. He served on the Board of Directors National Fund Sister Arline's Cancer Research Fund. In 1974, he served as president of the Familiares, a lay organization affiliated with the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He was the recipient of the Man of the Year Award from the Familiares in 1982 and the Mail Advertisers Service Association in 1975. Served as the New York MASA President 1972-1974. Board of Directors for International MASA 1974-1978. Has been a member of the American Legion (past commodore of the Oceanside, NY post) and also was a 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus. When they both retired, Michael and Alice moved to Calabash, North Carolina. They then made the journey west to Southern California in 1996, where they settled in San Marcos. In San Marcos, he immediately joined St Mark's Parish and shortly after became an usher at the 4:30 Saturday Mass. He also served on the board of directors at Fairway Knolls for many years as Treasurers. Joined the Lake San Marcos Kiwanis in 2010. Attended North Coast Church in Vista, Ca on Sunday mornings, where he was involved in a Growth Group which he loved. Michael loved spending time with his daughters in law and his son in law, nieces and nephews. He was never happier then when he was with his Grandchildren (Sarah Marion, Christopher Abbene and Theresa Abbene) and his Great-Grandchildren (Giacomo, Gianna, Lucia, and Isadora Abbene and Lorelai and Theodore Marion). The travel bug reappeared in recent years and he saw Italy, China, and Spain. He also took an annual trip to return to the city the he loved - New York. He will be sorely missed by family and friends. He is survived by his sons Michael Jr., John, and Daniel, his daughter Peggy and children-in-law Michael and Barbara, as well as three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Michael Theodore Abbene, Sr. A.F.S.C.

June 12, 1923 - September 15, 2014