Robert N. Abelin
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Published in January 2022
Bob Abelin, 60, of Longmeadow MA passed away peacefully at home on January 14,2022, after a 2 year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease).
Bob was the son of the late Edward L Abelin and Joanne (Buzzell) Adams. Fresh out of the Dakotas in 1986, Bob walked into Carl Chevrolet looking for a job as a mechanic. Little did he know that not all he would end up with the job, he met Val and well… Tired of beat up knuckles from “wrenching”, Bob started Valley Trucking and ran air freight until he contracted for united technologies moving air plane parts and US Mail. He ran that business with Val for 26 years. While still working as a contractor for UTC, they opened Sylvia’s Hot Dogs in 2009 where Bob became “world known” for his fabulous chili, a recipe he worked on perfecting for many years. He never got tired of hearing the compliments of how delicious it was.
For 35 years Bob acted as a caretaker for our street and our neighbors, he was extremely proud of the “Bellevue Ave DPW” hat they gave him.
Bob is survived by his wife Val (Steppen), his beloved daughter Jessica, Josh and their boys William and Logan, his son Bobby (a marine whom Bob was extremely proud of) his faithful companion Louie, as well as many siblings, family members and friends.
Val & Jessica would like to thank Barb Zanks for being a constant during Bobs illness. He loved you Barb!
We also thank the amazing people at Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) for their support and compassion during this horrible illness. They somehow always knew what we would need for Bob before we even knew and they would just show up at our door.
We ask that any memorial donations in Bobs name be made to them at P.O Box 1052 West Falmouth MA 02574 attn: Ron Hoffman or visit ccals.org.
Although there will be no calling hours or service (Bob’s wishes) there will be a celebration of his life at a later date.
