Dr. Leonard J. Abell, 97, a well known veterinarian, died Saturday, January 29, 2011 in Forsyth Memorial Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Dr. Abell was born December 12, 1913 in Rome, Pennsylvania. He grew up on the family farm in Rome, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Towanda High School and attended the University of Pennsylvania where he earned the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Abell taught at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School before responding to his Nation's call to service. Dr. Abell served in the Army Veterinary Corps in World War II serving in the Pacific Theater.
Returning from the Pacific Theater, he married Ruth Smith of Winston-Salem, North Carolina on July 9, 1943. When he completed his military service, they moved to Rome, Pennsylvania where Dr. Abell joined another Veterinarian, Dr. Isaac Stoll to form Stoll and Abell Veterinary Practice. He practiced veterinary medicine throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and the southern tier of New York State for 35 years. Dr. and Mrs. Abell retired from the practice and moved to Pfafftown, North Carolina in June 1979.
Dr. Abell was very active in the community as members of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, the Grange, and the Garden Club. He was also a member of the Roman Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons in Rome, PA; the Towanda Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Club; and American Legion Post 42 in Towanda, PA where he was a member of the WWII Last Man's Club.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son Charlie Abell of Fairfax, Virginia; his daughter Sally Rieger of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; his daughter Nina Borow of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; his sister Margerite Harbachuk of Vestal, New York; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Inurnment services for Dr. Abell will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery. Reverend Dwight Cartner will officiate. Relatives and friends are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in the name of Dr. Leonard Abell be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Pfafftown, NC or to Hospice of The Piedmont.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 4, 2011
Leonard Abell
Dear Sally and Family,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. I called Jill and I'm sure you will be hearing from her. I'll always remember you Dad giving me worm medicine for my dog Blue. Hard to believe how long ago that was!
Love,
Aldi
February 3, 2011
Linda (LaBarre) Hosley
Nina and family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I'm sure you will all greatly miss him. However, I'm sure you all have wonderful memories to hold in your hearts.
February 3, 2011
Dennis Abell
Dear Aunt Ruth, Charlie, Sally, and Nina,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
February 3, 2011
guy abell
Dear Aunt Ruth, Charlie, Sally and Nina
Marti and I have been thinking about Uncle Leonard this morning. I have fond and happy memories from the past. Both girls remember our visit many years ago when we checking out colleges and more recent visits to the cottage. While it is a time of sadness, always think of all the good Uncle Leonard and all the care he provided for animals in need. You can't spend a life much better than that.
guy and marti
February 3, 2011
Susan Abell
I well remember how kind you and Uncle Leonard were to my family and I when we were visiting Elon College in NC. Our thoughts are with you! Susan E. Abell, daughter of Guy and Marti of Rome, PA
February 3, 2011
Nicole Allen
Thinking of you all today. Uncle Leonard was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.
February 2, 2011
Michael S Ryan
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 2, 2011
Barbara Dewing-Pavlik
Sorry to hear about Uncle Leonard's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
February 2, 2011
Teresa (Murray) Edsell
Nina and family,
Sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a special man who did a great service for many people in the community w/ the veterinary business. He will be greatly missed. Teresa(Murray)Edsell (Rome,PA)
February 2, 2011
Barbara Boger
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 2, 2011
Tom Abell
Dear Aunt Ruth, Charlie, Sally, and Nina,
Was sad to read about Uncle Leonard's passing . I have many fond memories of Thanksgivings at Aunt Helen's with all our cousins. You are in my thoughts during this time. With Simpathy,
February 2, 2011
Sorry to hear of Uncle Leonard's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. Mary (Abell) Wolfe
February 1, 2011
David Abell
Aunt Ruth, Sally, Nina and Charlie.
We are sorry to hear about Uncle Leonard's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Love, David, Marie, Ty and Kenna
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