William Abbate

HAVERHILL - William Abbate passed suddenly, by natural causes, on Aug 9, 2024. Bill was born in Boston, and even though he lived many places during his life, the Boston area was always home.

He attended high school at ASIJ in Tokyo, Japan, where he discovered his passion for on air radio announcing. He worked as a rock DJ at several college and Boston FM radio stations, most notably WFNX-FM and WBCN-FM, where he also produced and hosted the popular NE Patriots Rock Radio Network Pre/Postgame shows for several years. He also taught radio classes for a brief period at Northeast Broadcasting School, Boston. A keen musicologist, he attended countless performances, he interviewed hundreds of national musical artists, helped local Boston musicians with exposure, and curated a voluminous and eclectic personal music library.

Radio industry changes led him to a career change in college admissions, where he shined at both domestic and international recruitment. His latest work was with Framingham State University. He was brilliant, gregarious, kind, hard-working and loyal, a man of good humor and unflinching integrity. He excelled at public speaking, no matter the situation. He loved sports, wildlife, road trips, Jeopardy, walks along the Old Saybrook, CT shore, and beautiful Hawaiian sunsets.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Alice (Dubé); his cherished sons, Zachary and James; his beloved parents, Dr. F. William and Barbara Abbate of St. Simon’s Island, GA; his beloved brother, Paul of Yuma, AZ; mother in-law Catherine Dubé of Arlington, MA and brother in-law Michael Dubé and his family of Braintree, MA. Also survived by many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and a vast number of colleagues in Boston and around the world, all of whom were important to and much loved by him. Finally, he is also survived by his furry friend Amaya, who snuggled up with him to sleep as he silently stepped into the brilliant light of eternity.

Per Bill’s wishes, a private family memorial will be held at Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill, followed by cremation.

In lieu of flowers, we humbly ask you to make a donation in his name to your local ASPCA shelter. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Abbate, please visit our floral store.