Bernard Joseph Abbott, Jr.

Bernard Joseph Abbott, Jr., fondly called Bernie, age 80, was born to Bernard Joseph, Sr. and Rosemelda Abbott, on June 12, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA.  He grew up in the Northside with his parents and younger brother, Ronald.  After graduation from North Catholic High School, Bernie attended Carnegie Tech for a brief time before he was drafted for the United States Army.  He spent 6 years in the Army as a Specialist, traveling around Alaska.  Bernie was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal from the Army.  Following his time in service, Bernie attended and graduated from the  University of Pittsburgh with his Bachelor of Science in Business. He taught for several years, then moved into vocational education, serving as a Job Coach and Mentor to individuals with disabilities.

 In 1976, Bernie married the love of his life, Mary, and together they raised three children, Bernard Joseph III (known as B.J.), Michel (married to Mark) Conklin, and Bradley (married to Elizabeth).  Sadly, Mary passed away in 1990 from breast cancer.  Bernie raised their three young children (ages 11, 10, and 7) and moved them closer to family in Wexford, PA.  In addition to his children, Bernie also has three grandsons, Drew and Emerson Conklin, and Henry Abbott.  

 Bernie enjoyed cooking family dinners and watching old TV shows like Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Murder She Wrote, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and the Golden Girls.  In his younger days, Bernie loved art.  While he dabbled in pottery and sculpture, he really loved to draw and paint.  Every summer, Bernie took his family on vacation to the Jersey Shore.  For many years, they visited with family friends in Ventnor City, NJ (south of Atlantic City) before moving their trip further south to Ocean City, NJ.  Bernie loved to enjoy long days on the beach and delicious seafood dinners at the local restaurants.

 Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Joseph, Sr. and Rosemelda Abbott,  brother, Ronald, and wife, Mary.  Relatives and friends will be received Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc., 3552 California Ave., Pgh., PA   15212.   Funeral Mass Friday at 10 am in St. Aidan Parish, St. Alexis Church.  Interment in Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery.