Robert Paul Abate

1929 - 2018

Robert Paul Abate passed away on December 5th, 2018 after a long illness. He was surrounded by family members and loving caregivers. Robert was born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 16, 1929. The only child of Paul and Rose Freundt Abate, he was raised in Melrose Park, IL. He was a graduate from DePaul University and received his MBA from the University of Chicago. After college he embarked on his lifelong career in banking. He worked at the American National Bank as a Group Vice President. While there he served at the Office of Education at the requests of Presidents Johnson and Nixon, helping to organize the Student Loan Program. He acquired control of the Elgin National Bank in 1973. He was also at the same time, the Chairman of the Elgin State Bank, The Plum Grove Bank of Rolling Meadows, IL and the First National Bank of Marengo, Il. Until his retirement in 2011, he divided his time between homes in Lake Bluff, IL and La Quinta, CA. The last year and a half of his life was spent at his home in Spokane, WA. For many years an avid golfer, he was a member of Bob O' Link Golf Club in Highland Park, IL, La Quinta County Club and The Quarry in La Quinta, CA. He was a voracious reader, reading up to three to four books a week. He loved crossword puzzles and movie trivia. He was known to write handwritten notes to friends and family sharing articles in the news he thought they would appreciate. He was a man's man and was a mentor to many. Robert is survived by his wife, Sonja, son Mark Abate (Gloria) of Greer, SC, stepchildren; Robin Black of Palm Desert, CA, Ray Black of Indio, CA, Rhonda Black of Spokane, WA, and granddaughter Lauren Albright (John) of Palatine, IL. The family would like to acknowledge his caregivers and doctors who were so attentive and kind, giving him wonderful care during his last years. Services were private at his request. Remembrances in his honor may be made to Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army.