Obituary of Richard L. Abel

Mr. Richard L. Dick Abel, 82, formerly of Lexington Avenue, Gloversville, died Monday at Nathan Littauer Hospital, following a long illness. Born March 4, 1922 in Gloversville, he was the son of the late Ward N. and Mary Fisher Abel. Mr. Abel was a 1942 graduate of Gloversville High School, and enlisted in the Army Signal Corps upon graduation. He served in the Europen Theatre and was among the survivors of the Omaha Beach invasion in June of 1944. Discharged in 1945, he began his diligent and devoted working career. He had been a part time police officer with the Gloversville Police Department, but also worked at various tanneries, including Wood & Hyde. He was a former Fulton County Deputy Sheriff for a time, and also owned Kenny's Boats & Motors until selling the business in 1985. Dick was more recently employed at Falk Industries as a machine operator, retiring in 2001 at the age of 79. Dick loved music and was an accomplished tenor. An avid outdoorsman, he truly enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as his known love for beagles. Survivors include his wife, Una Nelle "Nell" Smith Abel, whom he married July 3. 1945. His children; Shelia E. Loux of Johnstown, Sharon L. Sweet and her husband Rev. Dr. John D. Sweet of Princeton, New Jersey, identical twin sons Richard W. Abel and his wife Lynn of W. Springfield, MA, and Leigh R. Abel and his wife Michelle of Colonie. He is also survived by his grandchildren; James R. Loux, Joshua, Zachary and Sarah Sweet, Nicole and Emily Abel, Ashley and Alexis Abel, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m., at the First Free United Methodist Church, Phelps Street, with the Reverend Alan C. Witter, Pastor, and the Reverend Dr. John D. Sweet, son-in-law, officiating. The family will recieve friends at church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Cremation will take place at Park View Crematory, Schenectady. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Adirondack Chapter of Trout Unlimited, 10 Ashley Place, Queensbury, N.Y. 12804. Arrangements are by the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Freemont Street, Gloversville.