ABBOTT LUTHER LOVETT - RICHMOND - Abbott Luther Lovett went to be with Our Lord on Monday, May 18, 2015, with his loving family by his side. Abbott was born in Passadumkeag, Maine, on Nov 18, 1933. He was the son of George and Edrie Lovett. He grew up in Passadumkeag and graduated from Lee Academy in 1952. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and was a jet engine mechanic. While in the Air Force he travelled around the US repairing planes. He was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen in 1956, and while at a dance in South Burlington he met the love of his life, Rosalie Palermo of Richmond. They were married Sept. 14, 1957. After living for a few years in Maine, they moved to Vermont. They raised five children together in a house they built themselves on the bank of the Huntington River in Richmond. Abbott worked for Goodrich Construction during the 1960's as a heavy equipment mechanic. In the 1970's, he worked at Eaton-Yale Forklift service travelling around Vermont repairing forklifts. He later became self-employed and spent many years working at Georgia Pacific in South Burlington, maintaining their fleet of trucks. Abbott grew up riding horses and continued his love for riding for over 75 years. His knowledge of horsemanship was passed down through many generations. Abbott's passion included two special horses, Fire and Breeze. He spent many Saturday afternoons during the summer travelling around the state with one of them competing on horseback at Gymkhanas and Extreme Cowboy races, winning countless ribbons and trophies. Abbott competed until the age of 77. He was a lifetime member, as well as a former president and board member, of the Northwest Riding and Driving club in Fairfax, Vermont. Abbott was named the Horseman of the year for 1994 in recognition of his many contributions to the equine industry in Vermont. Abbott enjoyed watching many sports and was a fan of each of his children's (and grandchildren's) many school athletic teams. Abbott loved spending time with his family, neighbors and friends. His fatherly advice, practical conversation and wisdom were valued by all who knew him. His wife, Rosalie, passed in October 2013. They were married for 56 years. He is survived by his four children and their families; Jeffrey Lovett and wife, Francine, and their children, Alexander and Nicole of Essex; Kristine Ray of Brownsburg, Ind., her daughter, Amanda Fraker and husband Matt, of Avon, Ind.; Alan Lovett and wife, Missy, of Springfield, Mass.; and Kimberly Phillips and husband, Tom, and their children, Preston, Riley, Owen, and Rosalie of Wallingford; and grandson, Kolby Lovett and Kolby's mother, Tammy Sereyko of Waterville, Maine. He is also survived by his two brothers, Paul Lovett and wife, Sheila, of Lincoln, Maine, and Norris Lovett and wife, Bonnie, of Lincoln, Maine; He was predeceased by his sister, Geneva Brown; and by his son, Paul Lovett. Visiting hours will be Friday, May 29, 2015, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot St., in Richmond. There will be a Mass on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church in Richmond. Following the burial, the family would like to welcome family, friends and neighbors to Abbott's home on the river to celebrate his life. Please come for the afternoon and bring a memory to share. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Abbott's name can be made to Richmond Rescue at their website, www.richmondrescue.org, or via P.O. Box 404, Richmond, VT 05477.
