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Father donald abell dies March 24 in eldorado

Father Donald E. Abell, 72, died March 24 in the Fountainview Nursing Home in Eldorado after an extended illness.

He was ordained a priest on May 1, 1976 by the Bishop Albert R. Zuroweste.

Father Abell was an associate at St. Peter Cathedral from his ordination until 1982 when he was named pastor at St. Mary Parish in Eldorado.

In 1999, he also took responsibility for St. Mary Parish in Harrisburg and in 2001 for St. Joseph Parish in Elizabethtown.

Father Abell was dean of the East Deanery from 1999-2006 when he retired.

He was born in Ridgway on the family farm, Sept. 22, 1938 to Martin and Louise Wenzel Abell. He graduated from Ridgway High School and then entered the seminary.

Before becoming a priest he taught grade school in Ridgway.

Father Abell was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus in Ridgway where he also served as chaplain.
He had been the chaplain at the Illinois Youth Center and past Father Abell was preceded in death by his father and three nephews.

He is survived by, his mother, Louise Abell of Ridgway; four brothers: Bob (Barbara) Abell of Fairview Heights; Richard (Barbara) Abell of Ramsey, Ill.; Larry (Connie) Abell of Goreville; and Pat (Becky) Abell of Ridgway; two Sisters: Linda (Charles) McGuire of Ridgway and Cathy (Jim) Smith of Harrisburg, many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 26 at St. Joseph Church in Ridgway.

St. Joseph pastor, Father Steven Beatty was principal celebrant and homilist with Bishop Edward K. Braxton presiding and praying the final commendation.

Interment was at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Pond Settlement.
(In the next issue, Bishop Edward K. Braxton reflects on Father Abell's life and ministry.)