Richard Abate
Richard Abate
April 30, 1952 - April 22, 2011
Following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, Richard Abate passed into God’s presence April 22, 2011, on Good Friday, at home surrounded by much-loved family and friends.
He was born April 30, 1952, in New York City to Pete and Francis Abate. He married Debra Kraus Abate on Oct. 14, 1978, in Montvale, N.J., and together they arrived in Steamboat Springs in 1983.
Rich was the owner of ABA Refrigeration and Appliance Service. An avid outdoorsman, Rich was a hunting and fishing guide. Memberships included the National Trappers Association, Colorado Trappers Association, Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
He is survived by his wife; son, Richard Abate, of Steamboat Springs; daughter, Jessica Abate, of Hayden; brother, Nicholas Abate and his wife, Jeanine, of Pottsboro, Texas; mother-in-law, Ruth Kraus; sister-in-law, Lisa Morante; and several cousins, nieces and nephews of New Jersey.
A service was held April 29, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church, 524 Oak St., in Steamboat, followed by a reception to honor Rich’s life in the Church Hall. A viewing was held from 5 to 8 p.m. April 28 at Yampa Valley Funeral Home.
An open letter to Steamboat from Rich:
The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same
It has been a privilege to be a part of the service community in Steamboat Springs for the past 25 years. There have been many changes to our community in that period, but, as I weave my way through the alleys, side streets and not-so-obvious back entrances, the changes have been subtle.
I could not have asked for a better place to live, work and enjoy the outdoors. Thank you to everyone who has made my time here in Steamboat Springs as fulfilling as I ever could have expected.
Goodbye to a town I love
— Rich Abate
