Paul J. Abdo

Paul J. Abdo, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend


OLEAN - Paul J. Abdo, 71, of Olean, passed away Sunday (March 1, 2026), surrounded by family in Olean, following a five-month courageous fight against glioblastoma.


Paul was born in Olean on May 15, 1954, and was the son of the late John and Betty Shewairy Abdo.


Paul attended Archbishop Walsh High School (1972), SUNY Brockport (1976) with a Bachelor of Science, and St. Bonaventure University with a Master of Science in education (1983).


On Aug. 9, 1980, Paul married the love of his life, Jean Griffin, at Francis Hall Chapel at St. Bonaventure University. During their over 45 years of marriage, they were fortunate to frequently visit their children and grandchildren and travel to many places throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Paul taught high school math for 40 years in total between Archbishop Walsh High School and Genesee Valley Central School. Paul also taught computer math and was a long-time coach of football, wrestling and golf. He was a ski club advisor, senior class advisor and class moderator.

He received the Buffalo Diocese Outstanding Teaching Award (1983), Religious Educator of the Year (1992) and Allegany County Educator of the Year (2005).

He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, where he was a member of the finance council and a long-time usher, and a member of Birch Run and St. Bonaventure Golf Courses. Paul had five holes-in-one throughout his golf career.


He was an avid snow skier and New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan. Paul enjoyed solving puzzles and Rubik's cubes.


Paul is survived by his wife, Jean Griffin Abdo; son, Daniel (Ashley) Abdo of Clermont, Fla.; daughter, Stephanie Abdo of Charlotte, N.C.; grandsons, Landon and Ryder Abdo; sister, Suzanne (James Blakely) Monroe; brothers, Robert (Diane) Abdo and Stephen (Lorrie) Abdo; brothers-in-law, John Griffin and James (Debra) Griffin; sister-in-law, Mary Jo (William) Sliger; and many nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.


Paul was predeceased by his parents; his sister-in-law, Catherine Griffin Fraser; and her husband, William Fraser.


The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (March 6, 2026) at Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday (March 7, 2026) at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 931 N. Union St., Olean. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Paul to the Glioblastoma Foundation (www.glioblastomafoundation.org); Roswell Park Cancer Center (https://www.roswellpark.org/giving); or Penn York Junior Golf League (https://www.swnynwpa.com/penn-york-junior-golf).


Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.