Richard Henry "Arizona" Abbotts Sr.

1940 - 2025

Abbotts, Richard Henry Sr.

Richard H. Abbotts Sr., husband of Nancy Ann Abbotts (nee: Dolinar), passed away peacefully at 84 at his home in Sparrows Point, MD on February 18, 2025.

The child of Bertha and Henry Abbotts, Richard attended Sparrows Point High School and grew up across the street from Nancy, his beloved wife of 63 years. Growing up, he used to run a string of muskrat traps and sell the furs to supplement the family income. He worked summers as a lifeguard- indicative of his passion of looking out for others. He enlisted and served in the Maryland Air National Guard before becoming an electrician for Western Electric- a job he loved. He loved it so much that after the breakup of AT&T he stayed with the company and relocated to Pheonix Arizona where he retired with full benefits at the age of 55. As he could not idly retire, he created a farming business, Arizona Home Grown where he occupied himself raising specialty vegetables like Elephant Garlic and extremely hot peppers. During this time, he would set up camp in his Fifth Wheel RV on the Mogollon Rim enjoying the scenic southwest with trips to Utah, Nevada, and Carlsbad California for some surfing. He snorkeled in the Bahamas and enjoyed fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. He eventually moved back to the street where he grew up to take care of his of his ailing mother and sister. Taking care of people was his calling. Richard genuinely cared for everyone and would go out of his way for strangers in need. He enjoyed helping people and making a difference so, he would do it on a near daily basis. He touched all who knew him with his kindness, honesty, generosity, and love. He had a positive impact on the lives of many. His life was well lived.

Richard was the devoted father of Richard H. Abbotts Jr. (Linda McDaniels) and Sandra Abbotts Quinones (Late John Quinones). Dear grandpop to Susan Wagner, Melinda McDaniels, Nafiz Alqasem, Danielle Quinones, Lisa Quinones, John Quinones Jr., Alyssa Quinones and Paul Quinones. Great grandpop to Billy Graham, Gabriel Kwiatkowski, Michael Moore, and Isabella Moore. He was preceded in death by his sister Sharon Kreiger and is survived by brother Gerald Abbotts (Sharon Abbotts) and sister Lorraine Wyatt (son John Dawson).

A Memorial Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 2 pm- 6 pm at the Sail Inn located at 2118 Lincoln Ave. Sparrows Point, MD 21219.

Flowers may be sent after March 10, 2025 to 8102 Penwood Ave., Sparrows Point, MD 21219 or, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the DNR Butterfly and Bumblebee habitat and education. Richard cared about the bees. Donations will help the Maryland Park Service increase pollinator habitat on public lands, educate the public about pollinators, and support programs and events that highlight the significant role pollinators play in maintaining the nation's food supply and healthy and diverse ecosystems: https://www.shopdnr.com/MPS_Donations.aspx