Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes

33 South Avenue

Bradford, Pennsylvania

Preston Abbey Obituary

Prominent local architect Preston Roger Abbey, of 670 E. Main St., died Thursday, July 10, 2014, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home following a brief illness.
He was 90.
Born on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1924, in Smethport, he was a son of William Hugh and Geneva Belle Owens Abbey.
On June 24 1950 in Port Allegany, he married Lois A. (Hanna) Abbey.
Preston graduated from Port Allegany High School and entered the U.S. Marine Corps where he served on the U.S.S. Guam during World War 2. Upon returning from the War, he studied architecture at Williamsport Community College for two years. After completion, he did an internship with Raymond Hall Architects.
Once Preston passed his architectural boards, he decided to move to Bradford with his young family and worked for Earl Wheeler. He later established Abbey, Hemingway and Coatsworth and in 1980 renamed the firm Preston R. Abbey and Associates Inc. He designed numerous banks, schools, churches, and hospitals. Among his accomplishments were the buildings for Zippo, Kendall, Floyd C. Fretz Jr. High School, the Bradford Club, Fisher Price, Little Tykes, and several of the buildings for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. One cannot help but pass by one of the numerous buildings that Preston designed when driving around his home town.
After retiring in 1988, Preston pursued his love of nature by painting wildlife landscapes. His work was exhibited at several locations in Bradford but he was particularly honored when his entire collection was displayed at the Pitt Bradford Benefit Auction a few years ago.
Preston grew up loving the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and bird hunter. Depending on the season he kept either his fishing tackle or hunting gear at the ready in his car. Often he would stop on the way to or from business meetings in the area to throw a fly or look for a grouse. He also loved golf and fit in a round whenever he could. His short game was renowned. Always an able athlete, he taught the valuable lesson of losing and winning with grace and dignity. He was a patient teacher to anyone who wanted to learn about his hobbies. He went to great lengths to help everyone. He cared deeply for his community and showed it by giving generously of his time and talents. He was often an anonymous donor to charitable causes.
Preston was a member of The First Presbyterian Church and many clubs and organizations, including: The Pennhills Country Club, The Bradford Club, F&AM Lodge 749, Zem Zem Shrine of Erie and The American Institute of Architects
In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by one son, Paul (Connie) Abbey of Cleveland, Ohio, and three daughters, Lisa (Steve) Bastedo of Atlanta, Ga., Lynne (Jim) Gokey of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Leslie (Randy) Yokeley of Atlanta, Ga. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Lindsey (Eric) Lane, Kendall Abbey, Palmer Abbey, Dru Bastedo, Wesley Bastedo, Kendra Gokey, Ryan Gokey, Hanna Yokeley, and Maddie Yokeley; a brother, William H. (Barbara) Abbey of Marshburg; a sister; Mary Lou (the late Cy) Dann of Port Allegany and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, June (the late George) Howard.
Friends are invited to call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., South Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday in The First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Robert Klouw, co-pastor, officiating. Military honors will be accorded in the sanctuary following the service. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Port Allegany.
The family requests that memorial contributions, if desired can be made to the Preston R. Abbey Scholarship Fund at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, 300 Campus Drive or to the charity of the donor's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bradford Era on Jul. 12, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Preston Abbey

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Tracy Healy Messana

July 22, 2014

I was very sad to hear about Mr Abbey. I grew up with this funny man who always put a smile on my face. I loved hanging out in the Abbey home and all the fun we use to have at the Pennhills Club. My deepest sympathy to all the Abbey's- he was a wonderful man.

mccarrell

July 22, 2014

Prayers to the Abby family and my Gigi we love you!

ONE of "THE"

Herb USMC

July 12, 2014

Herb USMC

July 12, 2014

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USmc

July 12, 2014

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII.Thank YOU for your service,Preston;on the USS Guam......... Semper Fi.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Preston Abbey's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Preston Abbey

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes

33 South Avenue, Bradford, PA 16701

How to support Preston's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Preston Abbey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more