Frank L. Abbott, 75, of Gilford passed away on Monday, May 20, 2013, at the Laconia Rehabilitation Center after a long and courageous battle with COPD.

Frank was born in Nashua on August 8, 1937, the son of Gordon and Beatrice (Davis) Abbott. He graduated in 1956 from Franklin High School where he played football. He went into the US Army in 1956, returned and married his first wife, Nancy (Woodward) Abbott. He went on to work in construction and retired from Watts Regulator in 1999.

Frank was a life member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks #1280.

Frank was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, Grampa and Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to travel, going to Foxwoods, dancing, and enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frank is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sally (Blakeney) Abbott, of Gilford; among other surviving family members are daughter Beth Chamberlin, son-in-law Bill, and grandson Curtis, all of East Andover; and daughter Brenna Benson, son-in-law Jack, and grandson Tyler, all of Franklin and Florida..

Frank put up a brave fight for  many years with COPD but never complained. He will be missed by all his family and friends, especially his dear friends at Gilford Knolls II.

A memorial calling hour was held on Friday, May 24, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia. A funeral service followed at 10:30 AM, also at the funeral home.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association in New Hampshire, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham MA 02451.

For more information and to view an online memorial, go to WilkinsonBeane.com.