John F. Abbenante, 83, of Kyle/Mission passed away at his home in Kyle on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. He was an educator for 40 years, as a teacher, coach and administrator. Of his 40 years of service, 30 were with the Mission School District and the remaining years with Central Islip Union Free School District in Central Islip, New York. John served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman from 1945-1946 before going to college.
His parents, two sisters and his beloved granddaughter Michelle Keck preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Lujan Abbenante and stepdaughter Veronica Sevilla (Mike). He is held with deep love and respect by Elizabeth (Betty) Abbenante and their ten children, Jeanne Abbenante Keck (Richard), Josephine Abbenante (Peter Abbott), Kathryn Abbenante Howell (Larry), Marcy Avenanti, Anne Abbenante Lawhon (Tracy), Francis Daniel Abbenante, Susan Abbenante (Jerry Petocz), Grace Abbenante Rivers (Eli), Cristina Abbenante Smith (Howard) and John Michael Abbenante (Rita Arrieta). Grandpa John also enjoyed the company of his 28 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.
John enjoyed the outdoor grill and could cook up some fantastic Italian meals. At family gatherings he was the life of the party! He traveled and spent time with his grandchildren who were very important to him. He created many memories for all of them to cherish and share. He was all about the kids! He gave the utmost of himself not only through his profession, but also as a tireless volunteer.
Funeral services were held in Mission, Texas on December 4, followed by burial at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen. The family would like to keep his spirit alive by giving back to the community he served so well. Please consider making a donation to the John F. Abbenante Leadership Scholarship Fund, 2517 E. 4 Mile Road, Mission, TX 78573.
