WATERTOWN, NY – Albert Amin Abbass, 88, of Ives Street, Watertown, and formerly of Carthage, passed away peacefully on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Born Aug. 28, 1930, in Watertown, the eldest son of Amin and Agnes (Gastin) Abbass, he graduated high school from Augustinian Academy, Carthage in 1948 and attended Watertown School of Commerce.
Albert enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950. He was a member of the 808 Military Police at Pine Camp (later Ft. Drum) and served in the Army Reserve.
Upon return from the military, he assisted the family in their grocery store in Carthage. In 1959 with his father and brothers, formed Abbass and Co. Wholesale Grocery Distributors at 126 Canal St., Carthage. Later in 1966 the business was reorganized under the name Abbass Food Corporation, changed to Food Service and relocated to Evans Mills, NY. Many of his customers became his lifelong friends.
Albert married Donna Docteur on August 23, 1969 in St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Vincent, NY with Rev. Alfred Ellis officiating.
He was a life member of the Carthage Elks Lodge # 1762 as well as the American Legion Post # 789 of Carthage.
He had a ready smile for everyone, most recently noted by his nurses and caregivers. Albert took great pride in his Lebanese heritage and enjoyed the food of his culture.
He loved the north country and most notably his hometown of Carthage, NY.
Albert’s love for cheese (all kinds) expanded to a broad knowledge of early cheese making in this area. He could relate the history of cheese as an important part of the local economy from the time of early settlers through present day.
He is survived by his wife, Donna;’ a daughter and her husband, Janel and Cornelius (Conno) O’Neill, Alexandria, VA; a brother; Joseph, Rochester; nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Albert was predeceased by his parents, Amin and Agnes Abbass, a brother, Peter Abbass; two sisters-in-law, Mary and Susanne Abbass; and a brother-in-law, George Miyamoto.
Albert had been a patient of Fresenius Hemodialysis since June 2014 and had been a resident of Samaritan Summit Village since Dec. 2016. The family would like to thank Dr. Sindhu, and his Associates as well as the staff of Fresenius Dialysis Center, and the staff of Samaritan Summit Village Second Floor for their professional and loving care.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 14th from 4-7pm. at the Bezanilla McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, November 15th at St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown. Burial will follow in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Cape Vincent.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Carthage Augustinian Academy, 317 West St., Carthage, NY 13619 or to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or to a charity of one’s choice.
To leave an online condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.
