Compiled by Robin Jovanovich
Alexander John Abate died peacefully in his sleep the morning of June 7, 2017, at his home in Port Chester, N.Y. Born November 14, 2000, AJ was the son of John Thomas and Kimberly (Toor) Abate and he grew up in Rye.
While limited physically and mentally from birth, AJ’s ability to impact lives through his spirit, attitude, and smile was monumental. He was a gift to all who came in contact with him from day one. His spirit will live within all he touched in his nearly 17 years on earth.
In addition to his parents, AJ is survived by his brother, Andrew (Drew) and his sister, Abigail (Abby); his grandparents, Mario and Rita Abate; his great-aunt, Vickie Barrows; aunts and uncles, Kevin and Christine Toor, Jane and Kevin Nugent, Mary Jo Tucker and Bobby Bramson, Carolyn and Tom Lowenthal, Laura and Steven Schaffer, and Donna and Jim Potter; and 22 first cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated June 12 at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye.
Donations in AJ Abate’s memory may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes School, 468 West 143rd Street, NY, NY 10031, or Blythedale Children’s Hospital, att. Jane MacDonald, 95 Bradhurst Ave., Valhalla, NY 10595.