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Page 294 Achille Alredo Abbate Autobiography [1912-2013] Al Abbott was born Achille Alfredo Abbate, March 20, 1912, in Castelmezzano [Italy]. His grandmother, Rosa Trivigno Abbate, was a sister of Carolina Trivigno Paterno. In 1921, the Abbate family came to New York City, living at first in the basement of a Joseph Paterno owned building on 148th Street and Riverside Drive [700 Riverside Drive]. In 1928, the Abbate family moved to 236 Street and Riverdale in Riverdale, New York.
In 1930, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army as a private. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1958. His military assignments included duty in Hawaii, Europe in World War II, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Taiwan, and Japan.
The G.I. Bill enabled him to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Denver, Colorado. He continued his studies at the University of New Mexico. The California State Board of Education awarded him a Life Time teaching Certificate while he was teaching there.
His love of the Southwest and its healthful climate took him back to Albuquerque where he was subsequently attracted by Civic organizations. He served as a council for University Visitors, Sister Cities, the Friendship force of New Mexico, and other community organizations. This volunteer public service earned him a place in the Albuquerque Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 1998 and his photograph is on the walls of the Albuquerque Convention Center. On two occasions, he was appointed by the then Governor of New Mexico, Bruce King, as State Chairman for the Observances of United Nations Day, and once by Mayor David Rusk of Albuquerque. or his many years of escorting International Visitors sent to Albuquerque by the U.S. Department of State as guest of the U.S. Government, he received a Commendation in April 2002 from the U.S. Secretary of State. In 2002, he also received an award for Distinguished Service as a member of the Finance Corp. of the U.S. Army.
Al has never lost his appreciation for the warm environment in which he grew up in Castelmezzano. He has revisited Castelmezzano seven times during his lifetime.
The Abbate family was eternally grateful for the warm reception given to them by the Paterno and Campagna families during their early years in New York City.
Note: Al (Abbate) Abbott dictated this autobiography in May 2001. Although legally blind, he maintained a heavy workload of community service, wrote articles for newspapers, and continued to be a viable contributor to the preservation of Italian culture.
[Click HERE to read more writing by Al Abbot.]
Page 295 Congress of the United States House of Representatives Heather Wilson, 1st District of New Mexico
Dear Alfred, Congratulations on March 20th being declared “Al Abbot Day.” You are a fine example to our community of what it truly means to Help Everyone Reach Out in Community Service.
Your dedication to volunteering for over 40 years is commendable. Thank you for giving so much time and energy to helping individuals and improving our community. You are a blessing to our community. Your 90th Birthday is a great milestone in your active volunteer involvement. Best wishes. If I can ever be of service to you, please contact my office.
Individuals mentioned on Page 296: Achille Alfredo Abbate aka Al Abbott
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