Obituary of Calvin F. Abel

Calvin F. Abel, 87, of Lockport, New York, died Thursday, November 5, 2015 in Niagara Hospice care at Odd Fellow & Rebekah Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. Born April 9, 1928 in Lockport, New York, he was the son of James E. and Mary L. (Mummert) Abel. In February 1950, Calvin married Frances M. Gardepe. Frances was predeceased in 2006. Calvin attended the Cobblestone School, Transit Road Lockport, then graduating from Lockport High School in 1947. Calvin worked at Merritt Engineering, Simonds Saw and Steel Co., and Erie-Lackawanna Railroad through 1964 when he attended Bryant and Stratton Business Institute earning a Business Administration Degree. He then worked at Harrison's Radiator Division of General Motors as a Computer Programmer. Calvin retired from HRD in 1985. He continued to work throughout his retirement years, including bar tending at the Olcott Yacht Club. Calvin was a member of many social clubs throughout his life including the Redman Club, the Eagles, the Screwball Club, the Order of Old Bastards and the Lockport Glee Club. He was also a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Lockport where he was a member of Boy Scout Troop #6 as a young man. Calvin had many interests including archery, bow hunting, fishing, and wood working. He traveled with his wife, Fran, to Hawaii, Jamaica, Canada and Mexico. They traveled to many States including Pennsylvania, Florida, Maine, Washington D.C., and New Jersey to visit friends and family. Calvin is survived by four children, Carol (Daniel) Sattelberg of Lockport, N.Y., Richard (Nancy) Abel of Amherst, N.Y., William (Catherine) Abel of Lockport, N.Y., and Kathleen (Jeffery) Bryce of Arcadia, FL. Calvin is survived by six grandchildren: Kayla, Kevin, William, Jane, David and Erin. Calvin was predeceased by his sisters, Charlotte Nicholson and Georgianna Staples. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends may visit Monday November 9th, 3-7 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport where services will be held Tuesday, November 10th at 10 AM. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery.