Obituary of Albert J. Abdo

Albert J. “Al” Abdo Rushford, NY Albert J. “Al” Abdo, 84, of Rushford, formerly of Olean, passed away peacefully Monday (February 7, 2022) at his home, surrounded by his family, after a lengthy illness. Born July 2, 1937 in Olean, he was the son of Albert J. and Valna Anders Abdo, Sr. On September 30, 1961, he married his loving wife of 60 years, Kathleen Root, who survives. Al attended Olean High School, graduating in 1955 where he varsity-lettered in basketball, track and cross country. He worked several jobs until joining the Olean Fire Department in 1965, retiring as captain in 1986. From 1972 to 1993 Al also worked as a full-time security guard at St. Bonaventure University. In 1993 he was promoted to Director of Security Services at St. Bonaventure from which he retired in 1995. He then worked as a part-time day watchman at Cutco until he again retired in 2010. Finally, after retiring from three jobs, Al enjoyed St. Bonaventure men’s basketball, Buffalo Bills football, woodworking, fishing, boating, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at Rushford Lake. He loved the companionship of his special dog Molly. Surviving besides his loving wife Kathleen are four children, Valerie (Paul) Belleisle, Kimberly (Mark Sage) Abdo, Annette (Sean) Donavon and Timothy Abdo; eleven grandchildren, Katelyn (Paul) Shoe, Kristine (Louis) Horton, Tyler, Nathan and Chandler Wirth, Kyle and Joshua McGraw, Kaleigh and Nolan Donavon, Nathaniel Sage and Joseph Sherlock; six great-grandchildren, Amaris, Elijah and Winston Shoe, Simon, Zoe and Brielle Horton and a special sister-in-law Joan John. Also surviving are his siblings Joy Liddy, Patricia Jusko, Lori (Bill) Miller, Antoinette (Gary) Whelpton, Alan Abdo and Christina Mastrella and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Valna, who died unexpectedly May 30, 1938, at which time he was raised by his grandparents, Walter and Pearl Anders. His father then married Arlene Frost in 1940. He was also predeceased by his father; a sister Judith Edel an infant brother William, and a special brother-in-law Joe John. Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday from 3-7pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. Funeral services will be held Saturday (February 12, 2022) at 11am at the funeral home. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Home Care and Hospice of Allegany County, 194 N. Main St., Wellsville, NY 14895, or to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.