Francis E (Fred) Abberton passed away peacefully on August 24th, 2023, at the Ascension Resurrection Hospital. Chicago IL.
Fred was born to Stephen and Bridget (O’Reilly) Abberton in Rossmore Galway, Ireland. As the youngest of the family, he enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by a large extended family. He trained as a carpenter in Ireland and moved to Chicago IL in 1957 where he worked as a carpenter and then property developer. He married his wife, Rose (Dempsey) in Ireland in 1971.
In 2002 Fred retired to Largo, Florida with his wife and their beloved Cairn Terriers. They enjoyed a full social life surrounded by many wonderful, caring friends. Sadly, Rose passed away in 2007, however Fred enjoyed the company of a wide circle of friends for a further 15 years in Largo.
Fred’s greatest joys were his wife Rose, their dogs and music. He was an excellent storyteller combining hilarity and drama in a few sentences. His silences were rare, but they were much appreciated for that. In his final days he was cared for beautifully by Rose’s niece, Sandra McNeela of Niles IL who kept him company while he enjoyed the meticulous care of the nurses and staff at the Celebrate Senior Living facility in Niles IL.
He is predeceased by his wife Rose (Dempsey), his parents, his brothers John and Steven, and his sisters Kathleen Timmons and Margaret (Greta) Grenham and their spouses.
Fred’s surviving nieces and nephews both in the US and Ireland include Sandra McNeela of Niles IL and Patrick and Tania Grenham of Hinesburg Vt.
Services will be held at the chapel in The Celebrate Senior Living home of Niles IL on Tuesday August 29th at 11 am followed by the removal of his remains to his final resting place alongside his beloved wife, Rose, in Dublin, Ireland.
May he Rest in Peace with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
