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BORN
1921
DIED
2013
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Robert Abbott Obituary
Robert F. Abbott
Robert F. Abbott, 92, passed away peacefully at home of natural causes on Saturday, November 9, 2013, surrounded by family members. The last living member of his birth family, Robert was born April 10, 1921, in King City. Robert was a life-long resident and business owner in Salinas.
Robert's parents descended from early settlers in Monterey County, homesteaders in the Arroyo Seco River Valley. Parts of those holdings were used to establish the Arroyo Seco Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. Robert's father, Carl Henry Abbott, served as Sheriff of Monterey County for 12 years. After graduating from Salinas High School, attending Hartnell College, Robert joined the U.S. Navy in Feb. 1942, serving in the Pacific until Dec. 1945.
In 1946, he married Charlotte M. Welty, District of Columbia, and raised a family of five sons. July 1954, he and his wife purchased the Salinas South Main Street Fosters Freeze. He actively worked the restaurant daily. He was instrumental in re-designing the facilities in 1956 and developing the current facilities in 1985 consistent with his vision. He acquired multiple Fosters Freeze locations in Hollister, Santa Cruz and Watsonville. The Fosters Freezes are still family operated today with the third generation running day-to-day operations and will celebrate their 60th anniversary in July 2014. Robert remained active in the business until 1990.
Robert served as an Elder at Northminster Presbyterian, and joined various local organizations. In retirement, he and his wife traveled the country in their RV and spent much of their time enjoying the Abbott Ranch in Arroyo Seco. Robert's main focus remained his family throughout his rewarding years. He was a loving husband and a fine courageous father.
He was preceded in death by a married son, David W. and Bina L.
Robert is survived by his wife of 67 years, Charlotte W. and four of his sons, W. Dana, Carl L., Forrest E., and R. Bruce. He was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. At his request, there will be a private family event in his honor.
Memorial donations in his honor, per his request, may be given to the "Monica Abbott Scholarship Fund" or another educational scholarship or charity of your choice.
(http://www.cfmco.org/index.cfm/id/510/)
Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home. Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Abbott
November 26, 2013
I'm very sorry for your loss. may the "God of all comfort" bring you peace during this troubling time.
Tim Chester
November 26, 2013
Mr. & Mrs. Abbott were very active and generous with their time in the Church Youth Groups. My sympathy to the Abbott Family.
D W
November 25, 2013
To the Family:
May you find comfort from God, family and friends. Psalms 91:2
November 24, 2013
Obedient humans will soon receive the full benefit of Jesus' ransom sacrifice.
This will occur under the rule of the Kingdom for which the upright have long prayed, saying:
“Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.
Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10)
~Celena K. Simmons~
Roger Patterson
November 23, 2013
In 1958 I was Mr Abbott's Janitor. In 2004 I retired after 40 years operating Roy's Drive In. He was a good mentor.
My condolences to the family.
Anna Huebner
November 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers going to the Abbott family, we are sorry for your lost.
~The Huebner Family~
(Anna, Michelle, Jeffrey and Jen)
Paul MacDonald
November 21, 2013
Our prayers are with all the Abbott Family. Thanks for all your family has done for our city.
November 20, 2013
Condolences to all. Bob Rank
David Viado
November 20, 2013
Condolences to family and friends.
November 20, 2013
Dana and family....Lauren and I send a heartfelt prayer your way...many blessings in this time of sorrow...Laurie and Lauren Anderson
Jim Winnett
November 20, 2013
My thoughts are with you and your family, Carl. I have fond memories of times spent at your house and the scout meetings with Mrs. Abbott.
Laura Pestoni
November 19, 2013
I remember Mr. Abbott working at the walk up Foster Freeze on S. Main St. I was a student, one of so many from Salinas High, that ordered there practically daily. My thoughts and prayers go to the family..
Joanne Koziol
November 19, 2013
I worked at the South Main Street Foster Freeze in 1966-1967. He was my first employer. Although I rarely saw him at work, when I did he always asked how I liked my job. Then he would comment "good." Nod his head and continue with his visit. He was a good employer who showed interest in one as an employee without getting too personal or too friendly. My condolences to his family and friends.
Dan Carolan
November 19, 2013
Sorry for your loss Bruce. I still go to FF when I visit Salinas and ask about you. Nice to read about your father and Arroyo Seco. I love it there too.
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Funeral services provided by:
Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901
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