Charles Abate, 98

Charles Richard Abate, 98, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a former resident of Sun City West, Ariz., Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and Shavertown, Pa., went to be with his Lord on Jan. 17, 2024, at the Hospice of North Idaho, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Pittson, Pa., he was the son of the late Giuseppe Abate and Calogera Amato Abate. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lois Read Abate; brothers Leonard, Samuel, Joseph and Louis, and sisters Santa and Mary. 

Charles served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 160th Signal Company of the 20th Armored Division as a high-speed radio operator, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

As a child, he worked in his father’s grocery store in Pittston and later owned and operated that same grocery store with his brother, Leonard.  After the war, he attended Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and later went back to Wilkes for his MBA. 

Charles also worked for the Crown Nut Company in Reading, Pa., for several years and finally for Wilkes College (later Wilkes University) for 22 years as the Business Manager. 

Charles was active in the Wilkes-Barre community during his time at the college, including board membership in the Wilkes-Barre Steam Heat Authority and the local Head Start program. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts, where he served as a group leader for Webelos Pack #33.

After retiring from Wilkes University in 1987, he enjoyed spending time with family, especially his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as traveling, gardening, bowling, golfing, woodworking and home renovation projects. 

Charles was a longtime member of the Church on the Green in Sun City West, Ariz., before his relocation to Coeur d’Alene. He spent many hours cooking and serving community meals to those in need in Sun City West and he also served meals at the food bank in Lake City Church, Coeur d’Alene. His family rests in the knowledge that he is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Charles will be fondly remembered as a man of many hats, a good neighbor and boss, a man of duty and honor, and one not afraid to wear white ties with dark shirts. 

Surviving are his sons, Charles (Christine) of Syracuse, N.Y.; Joseph (Kathi), of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Richard (Cora), of Shavertown, Pa.; and Murnal (Elizabeth), of Montrose, Pa., as well as grandchildren Roberta Sarah-Jane (Dustin), Joseph, Alexandra (Sean), Richard, and great-grandchildren PJ and Om. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jenny Sanglimbeni Abate, and numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Charles will be Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center at 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 10 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene.  

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Idaho. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.