It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leland Stanford Abbott who  passed away May 13, 2023 at the age of 78, a few months after his most recent move mid- January from Southern California, to Post Falls, Idaho.

Born on September 14, 1944 in New London, Connecticut to Josephine Chiappone Abbott, and Allen Dewitt Abbott, Lee was a creative writer, father, friend, and community member.

Lee grew up in Stonington, Connecticut attending the Borough School, Saint Bernard's High School, St Michael's College in Vermont, (class of '66), then attending the University of Redlands California and finishing his Master's in Creative Writing at California State University, San Francisco (now SFSU).

Lee was also a star athlete in basketball, baseball, and football.

Lee is survived by his daughter, Jennifer C. Abbott of Stonington, Connecticut.

Also surviving Lee are his cousins Jeanne Previty, Rosemarie (Previty) Rose and William Previty, children of Lena (Chiappone) Previty and William "Wiggy" Previty, and their children including Vita Avery Rose and Caleb Rufus Rose and grandchildren, as well as his second ex-wife, Cynthia Fuller Quinonez.

Lee and his cousins were close growing up in Stonington, working together at the longtime renowned Stonington Market on Water Street in Stonington Borough, with his mother Josie and uncle Wiggy joined by Uncle Joe (Joseph Chiappone).

The cousins' closeness survived the distance that separated them for much of their adult lives - Lee spending many years first studying then writing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rose teaching and starting a family in the Washington, DC area before returning to Stonington, CT and William serving far and wide throughout his career in the United States Navy.

Other surviving close cousins include the children of his mother Josie's siblings: Christine, Harry, and Joe; the Chiappone family was a great formative influence on Lee, remaining important to him despite all that separated them in their adult years.

Lee was predeceased by his parents. His loving mother, Josephine C. Abbott, who passed in 1987, was a constant source of inspiration to Lee during her lifetime; and his father Allen D. Abbott, passed in 1997.

Lee's other vital relationships were his daughter Jennifer's mother, his first wife, artist Deborah Carlisle Abbott of Longmeadow, MA, and then Stonington, CT.

Deep and meaningful relationships formed in San Francisco during the 1970s with fellow writers John Hutchison, Walter Mills and Chuck Henning.

Also, his second wife of 21 years, Cynthia Fuller Abbott, (now Quinonez), was of enormous support and help to him as was, in later years, his close friend Peter Chau.

He possessed a curious mind and enjoyed engaging in meaningful conversations with those around him. Friends and family often looked to him for advice and wisdom, knowing that they could trust Lee to provide thoughtful and measured insight with the benefit of his learning and lifelong adventures. Many of his stories from living and working in San Francisco never failed to amaze and entertain those who heard them.

Known for his intelligent, witty, and thoughtful personality, Lee had an unwavering and fierce passion for studying the written word, research, and creative writing.

Lee's almost all-consuming dedication to his studies and writing often limited his contact but never diminished how much he valued those who certainly valued him.

Lee also had a deep love of wide-open spaces, clean air, late-night fishing, fine cigars, and fine dining as well as good scotch and red wines.

Good food, including Pizza Lady Pizza, (a rectangular sheet pizza celebrated in his hometown area),  gateau ganache, and tiramisu were some of his all-time favorite indulgences.

As for his hometown of Stonington, Connecticut, Lee had a special affinity for Sandy Point - a picturesque, uninhabited sandy islet on the Connecticut / Rhode Island border - where he spent many hours reflecting on life, enjoying his extended family, nature’s peaceful beauty and swimming!

Peace prevailed especially with late night walks with a good cigar and an excellent flashlight along with anything and everything else one might possibly need.

One of his favorite bits of advice was to be, (like the Coast Guard), "Semper Paratus”, always prepared.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

As we remember and celebrate the life of Lee Abbott, we encourage those who knew him to share their memories and stories, reflecting on the invaluable impact he had on their lives. 

 His intelligence, thoughtfulness, and unwavering love for his family and all things fine and superlative will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

If you are considering donating in Lee's memory, donations would be welcome at the Visiting Nurses Association of Southeastern Connecticut, or any charitable cause of your choosing:

https://www.vnasc.org/

https://www.vnasc.org/donate/…

Also a YouTube playlist with some of Lee's favorite music has been created and will continue to be added to; please enjoy! 

https://www.youtube.com/playl…

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