Benjamin Ramon Abbot

Senior Master Sergeant (Ret) Benjamin R. Abbot, 46, of East Windsor, beloved son and brother, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 28, 2024, leaving an indelible legacy of service, dignity, love, and strength. His life was a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication that defined his many years in the 103rd CT Air National Guard / United States Air Force.
Ben leaves behind a family that cherished and continues to cherish him deeply: his mother and stepfather, Iris J. Arenson-Fuller and Arthur Fuller of Bloomfield; brother Jesse Abbot (Yvonne Espinoza) of West Hartford; his sisters Crispin Abbot of Bloomfield and Helena Holmes (Karief), formerly of Windsor; and his nieces, Tasya and Gabriella. His father, Kim Abbot, preceded him in death, and Benjamin now reunites with him.
Benjamin excelled at all of his jobs in his nearly 22 years of military service, but most prominently and recently as Superintendent of the Air Operations Squadron (from 2008 to 2013) for the 103rd Air and Space Operations Group, the predecessor to the US Space Force; and as Superintendent of Logistics, Plans, and Integration for the 103rd Airlift Wing (from 2013 to 2018); both posts were at the Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby, CT.
Serving in combat zones in the Middle East and other sites abroad, SMSgt Abbot was also deployed in a variety of capacities across the US. He was a known quantity in the CT-ANG / USAF for fostering the morale and human potential of hundreds of Airmen under his command.
His military career was a striking record of leadership and accomplishment, marked by an array of multiple notable medals and other honors, not least among them the prestigious Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and fourteen others. In 2000 he was the youngest Airman in the history of the CT Air National Guard to receive the distinction of Airman of the Year and later attained the NCO rank of Senior Master Sergeant in his late thirties, far younger than most of his peers nationwide with that rank.
A 1997 graduate of Bloomfield High School, Benjamin later studied Human Resource Management at Ashworth College and pursued specialized military coursework at the U.S. Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.
Benjamin was an avid outdoorsman, foodie and chef, and reader of books in numerous subjects. He particularly enjoyed general history and military history. More recently he became a student of scripture and an ordained minister. He was an animal lover and a devoted parent to his two dogs, Inu and Maximillian. Other pastimes included listening to podcasts and gaming. (He played Nintendo Switch games often with his two sisters.)
Ben was known by many for placing equal value in enjoying all life has to offer and sharing that joy with everyone lucky enough to be in his company. A remarkable number of people indicated that he was their best friend-evidently because that was how he made so many feel. He often had a no-nonsense, take-charge attitude, but that was accompanied by his proprietary blend of wry humor and determined compassion.
After his retirement from military service, Benjamin held a variety of security positions, in recent years finding a simpatico community in the Loomis-Chaffee School of Windsor, where he served as a campus safety officer from September 2022 until his passing. Ben also served for many years on the board of directors of Thursday's Child Adoption Agency of Bloomfield, till the agency closed its doors; for well over a decade, he was also president of his condominium association board.
While SMSgt Abbot's family and friends, both military and civilian, profoundly grieve his loss, they are comforted and inspired by the bountiful memories of his extraordinary life-one lived with courage, honor, generosity, and grace. His memory will always be a blessing to those who loved and continue to love him.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honor Benjamin's memory with a charitable contribution may donate in his name to Connecticut National Guard Foundation (ctngfi.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). A graveside service will be held at the State Veteran's Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT 06457 at 10 am sharp, Friday January 10th. Attendees may go directly or may join the procession at 9 am from Carmon Funeral Home in Windsor at 807 Bloomfield Ave (Route 305), 06095. A Celebration of Ben's Life will follow at the Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave (Route 189), West Hartford 06117, commencing between 11:30am and 12pm.