Bradford Architect, Artist Preston Abbey
Passes Away at Age 90
Designed Kendall, Zippo, Fretz buildings Preston Roger Abbey, 90, of 670 East Main St, passed away July 10, 2014 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home following a brief illness. Born on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1924 in Smethport, he was a son of William Hugh and Geneva Belle (Owens) Abbey. On June 24 1950 in Port Allegany, he married Lois A. (Hanna) Abbey. Preston graduated from Port Allegany High School and entered the U.S. Marine Corps where he served on the USS Guam during WW2. Upon returning from the War, he studied architecture at Williamsport Community College for two years. After completion, he did an internship with Raymond Hall Archetects. Once Preston passed his architectural boards, he decided to move to Bradford with his young family and worked for Earl Wheeler. He later established Abbey, Hemingway and Coatsworth and in 1980 renamed the firm Preston R. Abbey and Associates Inc. He designed numerous banks, schools, churches, and hospitals. Among his accomplishmen...