Rye, NH- Artie Abbott, beloved by many, passed away at Harmony Homes by the Bay on October 16, 2023 with his devoted wife, Kitsy, by his side. Together they battled the Alzheimer’s journey with the support of an amazing group of friends and family.
Artie was born in Manchester, New Hampshire to Jake and Ann Abbott. In his youth, Artie was happiest adventuring around Rye Beach with a gang of life-long friends and his siblings, Bill, Mary, Janey and Ellen. His early years on the beach cultivated a love of watersports, surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and kayaking. He also enjoyed golfing, skiing and Mt. biking and many other sports. He had a wonderful competitive spirit. Artie was a well- known plumber on the seacoast, whose clients often became his friends. In his mid-forties, he met his wife, Kitsy and gained an adoring family, Josie (stepdaughter), Whit (stepson), Simon (son-in-law) and grandchildren Akasha and Brooks.
Artie had a great sense of humor and a free spirit that embraced life. He was kind, caring and a gentleman.
In his later years, he showed impressive strength and courage as he dealt with his cognitive impairment. In his year at Harmony Homes By The Bay, he found additional love and caring from other residents and staff. Artie had a spark that was always captivating. He will be missed deeply but we will find joy and comfort in the wonderful memories of a life well lived. For those wishing to make a donation in his memory, his favorite charities were Special Olympics and Smile Train.
A mass of Intention will be held at 5:30 PM on October 31, 2023 in St. Catherine’s Parish, 207 Hemlock St, Manchester, NH 03104. He will be remembered on All Souls Day, November 2, 2023, at both the 9AM and 7PM mass.
Susan & Daryl Kent says
Dear Kitsy, we are so sorry for your loss. Artie was such a funny, genuine, and lovable guy. His funny wit and laugh will surely be missed. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and may God give you peace and strength. With love and deepest sympathy, Susan & Daryl Kent
Kitsy Abbott says
Thank you! Artie cared so much for both of you. Me too! Would love to see you both❤️
Bill Mouflouze says
Sincerest condolences on Art’s passing. Got to know Art many years ago through Daryl Kent and Bruce Schlieper. He did a lot of great work for me over the years, and my nickname for him was “The Picasso of Plumbing”. Art was always a true gentleman, and, a truly nice person. We shared a passion for mountain biking and other fun activities. I so distinctly remember the morning at the gym several years ago when he told me not to be surprised if he didn’t recognize me in the future because his memory was fading, a sad moment.
Tom and Barb Sedoric says
Thank you for sharing Artie with us, Kitsy and family. He was a fun, caring, and authentic man who’s life was taken away too early for many of us. Please know your friends and neighbors are here to support and love as you need us and we look forward to seeing you, very, very soon..
Maura Fitzpatrick says
I was so sad to hear of your loss. Kitsy it has been a while since i have seen you but i wanted to reach out and send my deepest condolences. Next time i am in Portsmouth area i will reach out so we can catch up! Please take care of yourself and send my condolences to the entire family. With prayers. Maura
Ann & John Hoyt says
Dear Kitsy…we were so saddened when we first heard the news of his Alzheimer’s. John and I will always remember him for all the plumbing he did for us ( especially those tight crawl spaces he’d never complain about, but would come up with his hair all speckled and his beautiful smile)! He saved me one 4th of July with a full house when John had to fly to Paris for a wedding! Of course the toilet wouldn’t flush, and I was trying everything I knew before resorting to calling him! He immediately came over and smiled when he said I must have fixed it myself because he flushed, and it worked! We’ll also remember him mountain biking by our house, and seeing him at the gym. He loved life to the fullest and we will miss him so much!
Bill and Cathy Graham says
Dear Kitsy, We were so blessed to share such special times with you and Artie! A wonderful friend gone too soon. Know that we are thinking of you and sending lots of love and prayers. Bill and Cathy Graham
Kitsy Abbott says
Your kindness to Artie and to me in these last years will never be forgotten ❤️
Ed Pierce says
Hi Kitsy,
Thank you so much for taking care of and putting Artie first throughout this difficult journey. Your strength and courage during this time is truly amazing…… But not unexpected! I think you more than fulfilled what Artie desired in a partner and more than he could ever have image that fateful day when it was either golf w the boys or the yard work he had first planned with you! Good call Artie!
Artie’s ten yrs older than me. I first meet him riding mt bikes at Mt Agamenticus in York ME. He was an excellent mt biker and over the years acquired the nickname ‘The Cat’ as he was quick and agile and very adept at controlling the bike thru the rocks and roots and trees of NE.
Artie knew everyone, off and on the bike, he would admit at times he could remember who that person was but it was obvious he had left such an impression with them that they would wave him down to say hi…… Such was Artie, everybody liked Artie, he was just so easy going and likable person.
My love to you Kitsy.
Kitsy Abbott says
Thank you Ed! We jokingly called you our son, out of affection.!
Mark Patrick Phelan says
I was so saddened to hear of Artie`s death. He was always such a sweet guy when he came into my business in Rye (Hungry Horse Cafe) over the years. I will dedicate a “run” at Cannon Mountain this winter in his memory.
Kitsy Abbott says
Thank you Pat!!
susanne falzone says
Kitsy
So sorry to hear about Art.
We had Art do plumbing work at our house for many years .Always pleasant and kind.
He talked of you and his extended family often .
I remember how happy he was when you got married.
Our thoughts are with you and your family .
Susanne and Steve Falzone
Jack Kane says
To the Abbott family-
I am so sorry to hear about Artie, and your loss.
Our lives intersected on the ocean, in the woods, and in constructing things. Everywhere, Artie was a model of decency, and a gentleman.
Ted Bergeron says
I didn’t know Artie well, but I remember him from St. Joseph’s Grammar School. He was a friendly kid and always had a pocket full of bus tokens. I’m sure he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Rick Smith says
I’m very sorry to have missed your passing Art. Have no doubts I will always be smiling when I think of us and the Tory Road mob. All the fun we had singing Beatles songs at recess in-the St Catherine’s school yard all the afternoon and weekend sports of every kind in “the field” between Crows and my house, the tree house, damn football, basketball, hockey at Dorr’s Pond, and stickball, the high school card games, scaling cards, pitching quarters, Skiing heck Artie it was just plain fun growing up next to you we laughed our ass’s off. I will miss you Art and always remember I love you vey much for always and for infinity. Truly & Sincerely, Ricky Smith
Sally Elshout says
Very sorry to hear Artie passed away.
I knew Art initially from plumbing jobs at either for my family, my house or of friends in Rye. Once in a while heard he was on the golf course when I was golfing in memory of Tim Carberry (Porka).
Sending deepest condolences to Kitsy and the family.
George N Bagley says
Kitsy, it was great to see you after way too many years at Chebeague in September. Soon afterward we heard about your loss. Oh my, that’s a rough one. You will very much be in our thoughts.
George & Beth
Cynthia Hanson says
Kitsy, thank you for bringing this wonderful man into our lives. So sad that our time together was cut short unfairly by a disease he didn’t deserved – nor did you. I have watched you negotiate these challenges with such grace and love. He was fortunate to have you by his side. I will always remember Artie down by the river in Wisconsin, engaging in all of the family activities with gusto. He loved children, and my children loved his constant energy playing games, sitting atop his shoulders doing river wrestling, swimming, canoeing. All have said they wish they could have actively engaged with him longer as they developed surfing and mountain biking skills in their latter years – being that he was a willing teacher, close friend, and effusive person. The comment on this site speak volumes about his contributions – and our loss. He is embedded in our hearts. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.