Obituary of Francis C. Abel

Francis C. Abel (Buzz)

4 April 1936 – 1 December 2023

Buzz passed away peacefully at his home in Irondequoit surrounded by family. He is predeceased by his wife: Carolyn (Zimmerman), parents: Frank J & Anna M (Schoeneman), siblings: Joseph Abel & Anne Marie Foery nephew: Douglas Abel, granddaughter: Jordan Hathaway, and son-in-law: Thomas Roat. He is survived by his daughters: Sherry (Mark Fiorini) Nau, Mary Roat, Jeri Olson, & Terri (Bill) Grocott, 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and many good friends.

He was selfless and a devoted family man and was most complete when he was with his wife. Together, the embodied true love and were role models for many. He enjoyed traveling with her, cruising and square dancing. Together, they raised four daughters, who he was extremely proud of. For years he took them to Easter egg hunts, trick-or-treating, and hunting for the perfect Christmas tree (where one would inevitably lose a boot).

Buzz enjoyed many interests including gardening, baseball, volleyball and was an avid square dancer. He enjoyed being in his workshop where he would find unique ways to solve "problems" and make gifts for his grandchildren. Carolyn referred to him often as her "Rube Goldberg", his son-in-law's referred to it as "Buzzified" and his grandchildren called him "MacGyver".

He loved spending his time at the family cottage in Canada and valued the time he had there. Whether he was working on a project, a puzzle, casting a line, playing a game or just enjoying coffee on the deck, he found peace there. The girls have many great memories of building sand castles with him, playing in the lake, and fireworks on the 4th of July. He developed many great friendships with his neighbors on the lake and will be greatly missed.

He had a great faith in God, He enjoyed daily mass and those he worshiped with. During Covid Buzz enjoyed traveling the world via zoom and attending mass in many different churches in different countries. He lived his life embodying these beliefs in every transaction he had; being an amazing role model to everyone.

Buzz will be missed by many, especially those that loved him.

His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 16, 9:30 am at St. Kateri At Christ The King Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Bethany House where Buzz was a volunteer for many years, using his truck to deliver food.