William A. "Bill" Abbott, Jr., of Stoneham, died at his home on Dec. 3, 2017 at the age of 87 surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Chelsea, raised in Winthrop, a graduate of Winthrop High School, attended Bentley College and went to graduate from Franklin Institute for plumbing & heating. Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked in Industrial Sales for Metropolitan Pipe for 20 years, Walden Supply for 15 years and 5 years for F.W. Webb. Bill also worked at Bob's Market in Melrose for 10 years and resided in Stoneham for many years. He was a member of the Winthrop Elks & Winthrop Golf Club for many years and was an avid Boston sports fan. Bill enjoyed traveling to Disneyworld and the Bahamas. He had a "great sense of humor", loved to spend his time working on his lawn, gardening and cookouts with family & friends. He was the beloved husband of Rose M. (Murphy) Abbott for 57 years. Loving father of Rose G. Conneely & her husband Patrick of Stoneham, William A. Abbott III & his wife Mary of Tewksbury, Jeffrey J. Abbott & his significant other Sheila of Stoneham and Julie A. Kirby & her husband Ed of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Molly, Katie, William IV, Patrick, Joseph & Jillian. Caring brother of Daniel Abbott & his wife Kathleen of Winthrop. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, Dec. 6th from 4-7PM. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 7th at 8:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. Korean War Army Veteran. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alport Syndrome Foundation, PO Box 4130, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-4130.