Obituary of Alfred A. Abati

Alfred Agostino Abati, age 88, of Staten Island, New York, passed away on Feb 11, 2018, at Addeo Hospice after a long illness with his beloved family at his side.

Alfred was born in Brooklyn on June 20, 1929. He attended Boys High School in Brooklyn. He graduated from St. Francis College with a B.A. Degree. He then received his Masters Degree from Fordham University with a specialty in special education, guidance, administration and supervision.

Alfred was married to Rosemary Paone on April 15, 1961; they were married 54 years. They lived in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn until 1965 when they moved to their current residence in Staten Island. They have lived there for 52 years.

Alfred started his career in 1963 as Coordinator of a Pilot Project for Mentally Retarded/Emotionally Disturbed children at PS 617K. He then moved to JHS 27R as a Teacher in 1966. Later he became a Guidance Consultant for District 31 in 1968. He was then moved to become the District 15 Interim Acting Supervisor, BCRMD in 1974. In 1976 he was the Administrative Assistant for the Richmond OTC. In 1979 he became the Supervisor of Special Education for District 31. He concluded his career as Principal of PS 3 from 1986 to 1991.

Alfred was very active in his parish, St. Rita's in Meiers Corners, Staten Island. He was a mass lector for many years.

He was the Administrator of the Board of Education Evening School for English as a Second Language.

Alfred was a long-time member of the Italian Club of Staten Island and had the distinction to serving as their president. He also served on their Board of Directors.

Alfred was a very active member of the US China Friendship Club and served as president of this organization and on their Board of Directors.

Alfred was predeceased by his wife Rosemary, he is survived by his three children Maria Candrilli, Regina Colonna, and Steve Abati. Alfred is also survived by 8 grandchildren (Sal and Stephanie Candrilli, Anthony, Christina and Gianna Colonna, and Matthew, Benjamin, and Hailey Abati, as well as other family and friends.

Alfred is preceded in death by his parents Enrico and Maria Abati, his brother Felix Abati and his sister Fausta Barbano.

Alfred was an active traveler, particularly in his post retirement years. He has the distinction of having set foot on all 7 continents. His travels took him to China and Hong Kong (one of his favorite locations), Italy (where he participated in a bike tour down the length of Italy), Brazil and elsewhere in South America where he took a boat down the Congo, Africa (where he went on safari), Russia, Cuba, Turkey, Australia, and many more. His final trip was a family excursion on a cruise trip to the Caribbean.

Alfred was very proud of his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Order of the Arrow. He went on to be scout master of several troops. One of his proudest moments in Scouting was as Scout Master of a troop of developmentally and physically disabled boys.

Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday, 2/16/18, departing at 10:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Rita's RC Church at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Moravian Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, 2/15/18, from 3:00 to 7:30 PM.