Dec. 24, 1931 - Oct. 18, 2010 Henry "Hank" Z. Abbott, age 78, of Millcreek, died Monday, October 18, 2010 at Saint Vincent Health Center. Born in Washington Township, Erie County, on December 24, 1931, he was a son of the late Orson M. and Mildred M. (Lasher) Abbott. A 1951 graduate of Waterford Joint High School, he played football and was known as "Hank the Tank" for his blocking and tackling abilities. He served in the U.S. Army and was discharged as a Private First Class in 1953. After completing carpentry and blueprint reading courses, he became a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters of America, Local #81, retiring in 1993. Hank was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, but he also knew how to kick up his heels while square dancing. He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of St. George, and a lifetime member of the Star Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine L. (Reisinger) Abbott and a brother and sister, Charles and Marion Abbott. Survivors include three step-children, Albert W. Reisinger, wife Sandra, Duane E. Colvin, wife Diane, and Diane L. Wickramasinghe, husband Eardly; his caregiver and "Buddy" for the past three years, his granddaughter, Corina Martinson, husband Matt; eight additional grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, June Pearce; two nephews and a niece. Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Boulevard, and may attend a service there Thursday at 10 a.m. with Pastor Bill Coleman officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th Street, 16505. Condolences at bruggerfuneralhomes.com

Published in the Erie Times-News on October 20, 2010