Obituary of Curry Abbott

Curry Abbott, 63, of Whiting, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2014 at Whiting Healthcare Center. Curry was born in Neptune, grew up in Neptune City, and had lived in Florida and Neptune City before moving to Whiting in 2006. He was a star wrestler at Neptune High School where he wrestled in the 98 pound weight class. Curry, a member of the All-Shore wrestling team, was unbeaten in four years of dual competition. His only defeat came in the State semifinals. He was the smallest wrestler on the All-Shore team. Following his graduation from Neptune High School in 1970, at the suggestion of Mr. Leuzzi, a Neptune Junior Varsity wrestling coach, Curry began his riding career as a jockey with Sunny Acre Farms, Colts Neck. Curry rode at almost every track in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland including Keystone and Monmouth Park. His promising career was tragically interrupted when he was critically injured while riding in the first race at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, PA in March of 1976. After a long and arduous rehabilitation, Curry resumed his career and relocated to Florida where he rode for a number of years before returning to New Jersey. Curry is survived by six brothers, Lloyd C. Abbott, Jr. of Boston, MA, Kenny Abbott of Hornel, NY, Cleveland Abbott of Corning, NY, William Abbott of Painted Post, NY, Eddie Abbott of Hornel, NY and Johnny Abbott of Painted Post, NY; two sisters, Melba Van Pelp of Hornel, NY and Hope Phillips of Hornel, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his high school classmates and lifelong friends, Bill McGrath and Wayne Balschi and their families. Visiting will be held on Friday, September 12, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM with his funeral service to follow at 8:30 PM with the Rev. Wm. Frederickson officiating. Cremation will be private with Curry's cremated remains to be interred in the family plot at Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com