George L. Abbott ’63

George L. Abbott, Syracuse, NY, died September 20, 2024.

Born in Rutland, VT, George graduated from Mount St. Joseph’s Academy before coming to Saint Michael’s and majoring in mathematics. After graduating he moved to Syracuse where he spent the next six decades.

He started his career in the Syracuse University Library in 1964. In 1966 he received his Master of Library Science degree and married Sandra Baker Abbott.  His career at Syracuse University spanned over four decades, during which time he rose to the position of Head of Media Services at Syracuse University Library.  He also served as Building Manager for the new Bird Library from 1972 until 1987.

When he retired in 2005, an honorary citation noted “During his 40 plus years at Syracuse University Library, George Abbott has been at the vanguard of the technological revolution, introducing to the library many of the services now taken for granted.” Upon retirement, he was honored with the designation of Librarian Emeritus.

In addition to his work at SU, George also worked part-time as a projectionist since his college days in Vermont. Most recently he worked with the IMAX shows at MOST (Museum of Science and Technology) in Syracuse. He was also very involved in professional organizations at the national and international levels. He attended conferences and served on committees for both the American Library Association and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. He was a recipient of the Watson Davis Award for Service from the Association for Information Science & Technology.

George was predeceased by his wife, Sandra, in 2021. He is survived by a son, a sister and extended family.