Edward "Eddie" Abt Sr.

Edward "Eddie" C. Abt, Sr., 87, of Syracuse died Friday evening, May 9, 2014 at home with his family. He was a lifelong resident of Syracuse's North Side and the son of the late Joseph J. and Eleanor (Burst) Abt. A graduate of the Vocational High School, Eddie initially learned the printing trade. He served with distinction as an artilleryman in the South Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged from the US Army. After returning from the Army, Eddie learned plumbing earning his Master Plumber Certification and assumed ownership of Joseph J. Abt & Son, Inc. from his father, Joseph in 1955. For 50 years, he built a reputation for honesty and integrity while working hard and providing superior plumbing services to the residents of Syracuse and the surrounding areas. Upon Eddie's retirement in 2005, control of the business passed to his three sons who continue to guide the company with the same principles of honesty, integrity and hard work. Always ready with a kind word, Eddie would strike up a conversation with anyone. He square danced with the Sullivan Squares and was a member of the Stein Club and the Syracuse American Turners for over 65 years. A life-long parishioner of the Church of the Assumption, he was an usher for 20 years. Eddie was very active and loved the outdoors, especially at "the farm" in Central Square where the family would gather every weekend for family events. You could find him riding the tractor, tending the garden or maintaining the house and property. What he enjoyed the most was being surrounded by his family. Not one to sit still, Eddie was quick to load everyone into the car to take trips to the Adirondacks or to go walking at Onondaga Lake Park. Other activities included swimming, gardening, bowling, and walking his black Labrador, Maggie, multiple times each day around the neighborhood. He loved sports, especially Syracuse University basketball and New York Yankees baseball. Pre-deceased by his parents and his two brothers, Francis and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dolores (Schneider); Seven children, Paul Abt of Massachusetts, Andrew (JoAnne) Abt of Florida, Joseph (Anne Marie) Abt of Syracuse, Edward "Buddy" Abt, Jr. of Syracuse, Mary Jane (Brant) Fagan of LaFayette, Judith Abt of Syracuse and William (Kelleen) Abt of Syracuse; A sister, Mary Post of Baldwinsville; eighteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Calling hours are on MONDAY, May 12, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Church of the Assumption, 812 N Salina St, Syracuse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated TUESDAY, May 13, 2014 at 12:00 PM at the Church of the Assumption. The Rite of Committal and Burial will immediately follow at the Onondaga County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in the Town of Onondaga Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Central New York, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.