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WILLIAM M. ABBOTT M.D.

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Harvard University Stanford University

FUNERAL HOME

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley

477 Washington Street

Wellesley, Massachusetts

WILLIAM ABBOTT Obituary

ABBOTT, William M. MD Of Weston, aged 86, died peacefully in his home January 9. Dr. Abbott was born in San Francisco, CA, graduating from the Cate School, Stanford University, and Stanford University Medical School. He completed his surgical residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and subsequently was named its first Chief of Vascular Surgery. As a dedicated surgeon, researcher, and teacher, Dr. Abbott became a Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, and served as a president of the national Society for Vascular Surgery. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Davison); his son, William W. Abbott and his wife, Katherine of Barrington, RI; and their two daughters, Annabelle and Allison. He is also survived by his daughter, Sarah L. Abbott of Westminster, CO; and her son, Morgan. A Memorial will be planned for a future date. For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781 235 4100

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Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM ABBOTT

14 Entries

Cindy Appleby Spencer

January 6, 2025

So sad to read this Bill was a very special man Always cheerful and so polite I will miss him My love and prayers to Cynthia and family I pray time will heal your loss All my Love Cindy weston Travel as Bill would call me

Ellen Haley

January 6, 2025

My goto brother in law. Wish I had a chance to know you in older age. I'm still letting nurses know of your famous feats. Truly proud of all your accomplishments, and sorry we didn't all stay closer. Hugs, ELLEN

Gil L´Italien

August 23, 2023

I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Cynthia, Sarah and Wallace.
It was an honor to have worked under the direction of Dr Abbott at MGH from 1973 to 1996. Throughout those years, Dr Abbott was my mentor, counselor, and friend. I am forever grateful to him for enabling me to pursue my Doctoral Degree in Epidemiology. All that I have accomplished in my career and in other facets of my life I owe to directly to his support. Dr Abbott taught me to be rigorous in science and compassionate in my concern for the burden of disease in patients.
I will continue to honor his memory for the remainder of my life.

Roger Baird

April 6, 2023

I was Bill's fellow at MGH in the 1970s, a few years before Rich Cambria. Bill mentored me and my subsequent professional life as a UK vascular surgeon was greatly enhanced by his influence on me. I still remember him with fond admiration. Roger Baird, Bristol, England

Chris

March 9, 2023

A great man who helped me change my life for the better. I'll never forget him.

February 1, 2023

May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.

Suzanne M Gautreau

January 14, 2023

I worked with Dr. Abbott for many years in Vascular Surgery and had great respect and admiration for his leadership and support for his staff. My sincere condolences to the family, Cynthia, Sarah and Wallace, at this difficult time.

jonathan p gertler

January 13, 2023

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Abbott Family. Cynthia, Wallace, and Sarah, Bill was above all a dear friend to me. His contributions to his fields throughout his life were all so important and his ethic of always looking to better the world around him was exemplary. You are all in my thoughts and I am always grateful for Bill's presence in my life. Jonathan

Ellen Haley

January 13, 2023

Some of my favorite memories posted by Bill on FB.

Jonathan P Gertler

January 13, 2023

Dear Cynthia, Wallace, Sarah. Bill was a dear friend above all else. He was of course mentor to so many and an inspiration to his field, but most of all he was a loyal, committed, forward thinking individual who considered the issues of the world at large and contributed to humanity in so many ways above and beyond his extraordinary contributions to the field of vascular surgery. I valued our relationship in every way and extend my warmest thoughts of sympathy and condolences at your loss. Jonathan

James H. Arcand

January 13, 2023

I am very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was an eminent physician with great accomplishments. He was totally dedicated to his family and patients. My deepest respect and sympathy to his family. Bill was married to my cousin Jane.

Ellen Haley

January 13, 2023

I am very sorry for the loss of your dear father. We all have so many fond memories of fun times together over the years. His family meant so much to him and he always spoke so fondly of each member. I wish we were all nearer. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Love and Hugs,Ellen Haley, Tara Cameron, Shawn Cameron

Cynthia Soencer

January 12, 2023

Oh Cynthia. I am so sad to read of Bill passing. I am pleased I got to See and speak with him last month in front of Walgreens. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. All my love and deepest sympathy Cindy Appleby Spencer or Cindy Travel as Bill would call me xoxo

Richard P. Cambria MD

January 12, 2023

My deepest sympathies to Cynthia, Wallace and Sarah on the passing of my mentor and partner Bill. We had a long professional relationship beginning when I took my research year with Dr. Abbott in 1980; thereafter I was a vascular fellow with Bill and he ultimately hired me to the vascular surgery staff in 1986. While he guided my career, he also allowed it to flourish as it would evolve. We shared office space, and many many scientific and clinical projects over many years. Bill's leadership brought the Vascular division at MGH to national prominence, and he would repeat the great tradition of the Vascular leader at MGH being named to the prestigious position of President of the society for Vascular Surgery.I was honored to follow in his footsteps and attribute my own success in no small measure to his mentorship.

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