"Jack" John Farnam Abbott

“Jack” John Farnam Abbott was born January 20th, 1927 in Elmira N.Y. to John Carroll and
Dorothy Leavitt Abbott. He passed away peacefully from heart disease on November 3rd, 2021
after a wonderful visit surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Jack and his parents moved to Lakewood, OH when he was 10. After beginning college he
eagerly enlisted in the army. Destined for Japan his ship was redirected to the Philippines after
Japan’s surrender where he spent 14 months as a medic. Upon discharge he enrolled at Ohio
State University in pre-med. There he met and fell in love with Arlene Keller. After their marriage
March of 1950, Jack began pharmacy school at Ohio Northern University where they began
their family with the arrival of John in 1952.
In 1953 they moved to Chagrin Falls as Jack began his pharmacy career at Standard Drug.
Two years later he joined a group of doctors to establish the Curtiss Clinic on Washington St.
and his first pharmacy. Their second child, Corrine, arrived in 1954. Jack expanded his
business by purchasing Nall’s Drug Store. By the late 60’s his chain of independent pharmacies
and drug stores progressed into Cleveland eventually numbering 9.
During this time his favorite hobbies were, flying his plane at the Chagrin Falls airport, fishing,
collecting tropical fish (over 2000), and always driving a convertible. Later his hobbies
expanded to stamp collecting, history, and travel.
Once retired, he and Arlene developed a passion for volunteerism which began with the
Cleveland Zoo, progressing to the Rainforest, Natural History Museum as docent and in
Archeology, Science Center, The Mather, Ursuline College archives, The Playhouses as tour
guide and Red Coat ushers, Chagrin Little Theater, Cleveland and Chagrin Film Festivals, Air
Show, and more. He and Arlene also traveled extensively around the world sometimes on
personal adventures and sometimes with eco-tourism groups exploring the animals and
peoples of the world.
Jack will be remembered for his big warm smile, knowledge, commitment to family and
community, his integrity, and love of history and teaching his family and public about the
wonders of the natural world.
He will be greatly missed though always remembered by his children: John C. (Lynn) of
Bainbridge and Corrine (Michael) of San Francisco; Grand children: Jessica (James) Kissinger,
Michigan, Brett (Heather) Abbott, Minneapolis, and Elise, Florida; Great Grandchildren: Josiah,
Jacob, Isaac, and Joslyn Kissinger and Jaclynn and Lucas Abbott; Max Cat. Arlene passed
away August 15th, 2020.
All are welcome for a CELEBRATION OF LIFE on November 28th, Sunday at 4:00pm at
Frohring Meadows, Katydid Shelter at16780 Savage Rd., Bainbridge.

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