Mark S. "Abba" Abernathy

Mark S. "Abba" Abernathy, 69
Lynn - Mark Stephen "Abba" Abernathy, 69, a lifelong resident of Lynn, passed away peacefully at home on July 13, 2025. Born on July 18, 1955, he was the son of the late Thomas J. Abernathy, Sr. and Theresa M. (Waldron) Abernathy. Mark was the beloved husband of Mary Lou (Charros) Abernathy, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage.
Mark was a proud graduate of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Class of 1973, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He was especially honored to have played on the 1973 State Champion baseball team with lifelong friends under coach Bart Conlon. Mark went on to enjoy a long and successful career as an inspector at General Electric in Lynn, retiring in 2010.
A devoted sports fan, Mark loved golfing in his weekly league at Cedar Glen Golf Course. "Mr. Abba" also spent many years coaching his daughters' teams, including Sacred Heart CYO basketball, West Lynn American Little League, Lynn Classical Basketball, and Greater Lynn Babe Ruth softball. One of his fondest moments as a coach was leading the 2000 Babe Ruth softball all-star team to the World Series.
More than anything, Mark cherished his role as "Grampy." After retiring from the GE, he (self-)established "Grampy School," where he babysat his five grandchildren weekly, driving them to and from school and sports, and rarely missing a game. Grampy was their #1 fan. He was truly one of a kind-generous, funny, and fiercely devoted to his family. He will be dearly missed.
In addition to his wife, Mary Lou, Mark is survived by his loving daughters, Lauren (Abernathy) Phelps and her husband Tim, and Katie Abernathy; his grandchildren-his best friends-Sam, Luke, Benny, John, and Emily Phelps; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Tony and Shirley Amico, Bill and Maureen Hegarty, and Brian "Skippy" Landry; his siblings, Jimmy, Timmy, and Peter Abernathy; and his "grand-dogs," Rosie, Georgie, Stella, and Darla. He also leaves behind many friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, including his Godson, Greg Landry. Mark was predeceased by his father- and mother-in-law, Nick and Irene Charros; his siblings, Trish (Abernathy) Landry, Joe Abernathy, and Tom Abernathy; and his dogs, Rosta, Otis, and Gus.
Service Information: His Funeral which will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 8:45AM from the Solimine Funeral Home 67 Ocean Street (RTE1A), Lynn, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in St. Mary's Church. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00PM-6:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Lynn Vocational and Technical Alumni Association 80 Neptune Blvd. Lynn, MA 01901. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com