This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Sgt Terry Paggi
to remember
Marine Cpl Richard Clark Abbate.
If you knew or served with this Marine and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Casualty Info
Home Town Elmwood Park, IL
Casualty Date May 18, 1968
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Gun, Small Arms Fire
Location Quang Nam (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment Saint Joseph Cemetery - River Grove, Illinois
Posted on 10/24/01 - by Linda D. Abbate Collins Richie was my big brother. I've missed him everyday since he was killed. Today I found him on this internet site and can't believe it. Who would have thought after all these years, his name would appear on the internet. He was a fun, great guy full of love for mankind. He could go from being very silly, to being very sentimental, to being extremely sad. Richie became a father 3-weeks before he was killed. His daughter grew up to be a beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, we have lost contact with one another, but would love to have her back in my life. Her name is Lisa Marie Abbate, the name he wanted her to have. Lisa, if you see this, please call Aunt Lyn @ 949 487-1711. I'm still in San Juan Capistrano, where your dad lead me to live after he died.
October 24, 2001: Lisa Marie did find me! We got together and she has two children of her own now - both girls. We spent precious time together talking about her dad and sharng pictures of him when he was in high school and the Marines. She has a wonderful life, married to a famous rockstar! I couldn't believe it! Rich would have loved that! It's obvious he's been her angel since his death. Our mom, Kitty Abbate, has gone on to be with Rich now. I hope they had a great reunion in Heaven and are enjoying being with one another again. Our brother Steve is gravely ill with leukemia, who is also a Viet Nam Veteran - and although Steve's name is not on the wall, his doctors believe he contracted this rare form of Leukemia from his service in Viet Nam. The Viet Nam war left scars on my whole family. But we are very proud of our boys that protected our very cushy life here in America.
