Ronald Abbott

Albany-Ronald Abbott, passed away the morning of April 20, 2017, at the age of 78 at St. Peters Hospital, after complications from pneumonia. Ronald was born in Albany, to Catherine and Richard Abbott. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1956, and later attended the college of Saint Bonaventure. Ronald had a vivacious passion for speed all through his life and was drawn to all things fast. After school he became enthralled with drag racing, and was known throughout Albany, and the Northeast, as a pioneer in the sport of drag racing. With his dear friend John Foley as his engine builder, he raced dragsters throughout the country, winning numerous titles, and competing in the final race of the 1963 Nationals, where he entered the final heat in the AA Fuel Dragster Showdown with world renowned Don Garlits. His penchant for speed also led him to boat racing. He loved to race throughout the country in different venues, racing numerous times on the Grand National Class circuit. His love of boating brought him to Lake George, and he always enjoyed having the loudest and fastest boat on the water. He loved spending time at the lake boating, but also with his other passion, water skiing. He loved to waterski early in the morning at sunrise, and enjoyed doing so his entire life, only stopping in the last couple of years. He spent countless hours waterskiing, tubing, air-chairing, windsurfing, boating and swimming at his home on Lake George, enjoying these activities with his family and close friends. In wintertime, his passion was snow skiing. He traveled to Vermont, Colorado and Utah, always bringing friends and family. He skied with his son and grandson up to the very last winter of his life. He also loved flying his plane, visiting with friends at the airport, and flying with them to destinations throughout the Northeast. He was a local Albany businessman, coming from a third generation family business, then going out on his own to form American Auto & Plate Glass, Co, where he worked alongside his wife and son the duration of his life. Ronald was a member of the Lake George Club, as well as the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. Ronald is survived by his wife, Sandra Norris Abbott, his son, Scott R. (Marnie M.) Abbott, his grandson Kyle D. Abbott, his daughter Heidi (Scott) Cerosky, his grandson Corey Cerosky and granddaughter Carly Cerosky, and his daughter Wendy (Hon. Daniel J.) Stewart and their children. All are welcome to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 on Sunday, April 23rd, at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany, New York. Funeral services and interment will be held privately. Those wishing to remember Ronald Abbott in a special way may send a contribution to the A.M.C. Pediatric Emergency Department, Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Ronald Abbott

May 11, 1938 - April 20, 2017