Remembering Former VDA President, Dr. Michael Abbott
Dr. Michael Anthony Abbott returned to his heavenly home on March 23, 2019 after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. His belief and devotion in Our Lord as his Savior supported him during this illness and gave him peace.
Mike was active in the Virginia Dental Association and became President of the VDA in 2010. He served his community by volunteering for the Missions of Mercy Dental Clinics and the Roanoke Bradley Free Clinic. For many years, he administered free dental care to many people without dental insurance. His kindness and dedication to the VDA will make an impact for years to come.
Mike was born on Oct. 12, 1952 to Thomas Anthony Abbott and Josephine Milan Abbott in Roanoke, VA. He was a graduate of Cave Spring High School in 1970. He was an accomplished academic having graduated from Randolph Macon College in 1974, MCV School of Dentistry in 1978 with honors, and completed the Oral and Maxillofacial residency program at Georgetown University in 1982. He later received his MBA in Medical Practice Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2001.
Mike married Carol Marie Izzo in 1978 and was blessed with three precious children, Tom, Katie, and Kelly. He was a devoted father, loved his family very much, and kept us laughing with unexpected dry wit.
Mike’s amazing career brought him and his family to many regions in Virginia. He practiced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Roanoke, Abingdon, and Northern Virginia. Mike was on faculty at Georgetown University as well as Portsmouth Naval Hospital where he taught dental students and oral surgery residents. He instructed dental hygiene students at Virginia Western Community College. Mike was in the Navy Reserve and was called to active duty during Desert Storm. He practiced at the U.S. Navy Yard and Quantico. He was then asked to serve as Commander and Department Head on the USS America.
Mike is survived by wife Carol of 40 years, his son Tom, daughters Katie and Kelly, daughter-in-law Ashley, and grandson Michael. His best friends (considered as family); Dr. Scott Anderson and Dr. Dawn Forbes, Dr. and Mrs. Charlie Wilson, Dr. and Mrs. Terry Dickinson, Mrs. Susan Saul, Mrs. Nancy Mitchell, Mrs. Marcelle Melki, and many cousins in Roanoke and Richmond, VA.
Our special and sincerest thanks goes to the devoted team of “earth angels” at Our Lady of the Valley Nursing Home, the caring staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, and our children who were a constant source of support and care.
Mike’s funeral arrangements include a visitation at Oakey’s South Chapel, 4257 Brambleton Avenue, Cave Spring, VA, 24018 on Friday, March 29, 2019, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Mike’s funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 12:00pm at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, 4730 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA, 24017 with Fr. Kevin Beaton officiating, with a reception following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Elias Building Fund, 4730 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA, 24017.
