Vincent J. Abata
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Vincent Joseph Abata went to rest in eternal peace with his Lord on December 26, 2020. Vic was born in Rockeville Centre, New York on February 29, 1932. He was one of three children born to parents Joseph J. Abata and Mary Abata (Fagella). His former years in education were supported by the Salesians Brothers of Don Bosco in New York, N.Y. He entered the military as a young man and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Vic earned his GED early which enabled him to study at Columbia University and graduate with a Masters Degree in Education. After graduation, he worked as a teacher for the New York City Schools and was a member of the Board of Education. In 1957 he married Patricia E. Burns, the mother of his 5 children. They were divorced in 1974. Vic went to work at Humboldt State College Elementary School teaching fourth grade and moved his family to Eureka, California in 1964. While in Eureka, he became active in theater; directing, acting, and producing plays for his classes and for the Burl Playhouse. He was awarded a "Harvey" award for the best supporting actor in 1967. Vic and his family moved to Santa Rosa, California in 1970 where he went to work as an Educational Consultant for the Sonoma County Office of Education. He remained with SCOE until his retirement. Once in Santa Rosa, he became a regular actor with the Santa Rosa Players where he performed at various venues, including the El Rancho Tropicana and the Performing Arts Center for over 20 years. His performance as Tevye in "The Fiddler on the Roof" in 1983 was among his best. Throughout the 1990's, he delighted children with his annual holiday season cameos as Santa Claus as he floated up the Petaluma River aboard a paddleboat. On July 30, 2005 Vic married the love of his life, Antoinette Dupuis-Abata, and relocated to south Texas where they shared a loving home. He lived out his remaining years, "happy as a clam."
While Vic's history provides a framework for his life, it doesn't fully capture who he was and why his loss has left a hole in the hearts of those who loved him. He grew up in poverty and raised his 5 children with strong values; encouraging education, hard work, and resourcefulness. He possessed genteel manners and was a gracious host who always kept his guests laughing and entertained. Tim Conway and Harvey Korman skits made him howl with laughter. He loved beauty in all its forms. He was proud of his Italian heritage and he loved to cook Italian food, singing and talking in a heavy Italian accent much to the delight of observers. His spaghetti sauce will be dearly missed. He had a great sense of humor and always had a witty remark. He was known to carry a small bag filled with packets of his favorite sweetener and other various condiments neatly rubber banded together. He liked order and cleanliness. He took pleasure in simple things like his morning coffee sipped from a delicate cup, his fragrant rose garden, and taking his orange MGD Midget for a spin. He could be fierce when angry but he had a forgiving heart. He loved deeply and treasured the friends he made throughout his lifetime. He was a gentleman and his spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved him.
Vic was greeted in Heaven by his brother George Abata, sister Rita Moskal, and his son Mitchell Abata. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Antoinette, and by his children: Deborah Abata, Valerie Clapham, David Abata, Sheila Nordgren; grandchildren: Ashley, Anthony, Brianna, Leif, Soren, numerous great-grandchildren, his step-daughter Rebecca Stedman and her husband Roland, and their sons Reese and Gabe Stedman and stepson Vincent Rooks.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Pkwy., Porter, TX 77365. A reception will follow the at Darst Funeral Home, 796 Russell Palmer Rd., Kingwood, Texas 77339. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. after the reception at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038.
In lieu of usual remembrances donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans nonprofit.