In Memoriam

Alda Abbate
1926-2026

COOPERSTOWN—Alda Abbate, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved friend, was born on Staten Island, New York in 1926. She spent nearly her entire life on Staten Island, including 95 years on Austin Avenue, surrounded by her family, friends and community she loved so dearly.

Alda attended P.S. 39 on Staten Island. As a young woman, she married the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, Dominick Abbate. Together they built a home and family filled with love. After 20 years of marriage, Alda suffered the heartbreaking loss of her husband in 1967. Suddenly widowed with two young sons, ages 14 and 7, she found within herself the strength and determination to move forward and provide for her children.

Alda returned to work and spent many years at a family-owned airplane factory until its closing. She later became a manager at Victory Lighting on Victory Boulevard. When the store closed, Alda began working at Leones Restaurant and Tavern, where her warm personality and caring nature made her loved by customers and coworkers alike. She later worked for the Board of Elections until her retirement.

But Alda’s life was never defined simply by where she worked. It was defined by the people she loved and the love she gave them.

Family was the center of Alda’s world. She was a strong, loving, and caring mother who devoted herself to her children and made whatever sacrifices were necessary to give them a good life. As a grandmother, she found tremendous happiness in her grandsons, Dominick and Richard Abbate, whom she loved and cherished deeply.

Alda also treasured her friendships and enjoyed spending time at the Arrochar Friendship Club, where she shared many happy moments with her fellow club members.

After spending 93 years on Staten Island, Alda began a new chapter of her life when she moved to Cooperstown, New York, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, to be with her family.

Alda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dominick Abbate; her son, Joseph Abbate, who passed away in 2017; her parents, Joseph and Clementine Bordi; and her sister, Enis Antonacci.

She is survived by her loving son, Richard Abbate, and his wife, Rosemarie, her two cherished grandsons, Dominick and Richard Abbate, and many nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Alda will remember a woman of remarkable strength and resilience, but also a woman with a loving and generous heart. She faced life’s hardships with courage, worked tirelessly for the family she adored, valued her friendships, and found her greatest happiness in being a mother and grandmother.

Alda’s life was a life of love, sacrifice, family and strength. The years she gave to those around her, the lessons she taught by example, and the love she placed in the hearts of her children and grandchildren will remain a part of them forever.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

A beautiful mother.

A cherished grandmother.

A strong and remarkable woman.

And a love that will never be forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Holy Rosary Church, 120 Jerome Avenue in South Beach, Staten Island. Interment will be in Moravian Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.