Marilyn A. Abbatiello

Marilyn Abbatiello, a longtime resident of Babylon, New York passed away at the age of 73 on the morning of January 12. Marilyn was born on March 13, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the older sister to Pamela and beloved daughter to Mary and Leon Zimecki.

Marilyn attended St. Gerard’s Elementary School, Jamaica High School, and Thorpe Secretarial School before graduating and matriculating into Queens College for one year.

She met her future husband, Thomas, on Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York on July 4, 1962 when she was 15 and he was 17 years-old. They married in November 1968, after postponing the wedding for a year while Thomas served in the Army in Vietnam. Together, the couple share a daughter, Danielle, born in September 1969.

In 1973, Thomas built their house in Babylon. The couple remained Village residents until 2009 when they moved to North Babylon. Over the years, Marilyn opened her door to many family members, either for extended visits or long term housing.

Marilyn held numerous positions over the years, most notably working as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of Quik Park in Manhattan, New York. She lovingly volunteered as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Class Mother, and allowed her daughters’ classmates to build their homecoming float in her backyard for two consecutive years.

In her later years, Marilyn became a seasoned traveler, journeying abroad to England, France, Spain, and Italy. She and her husband were avid Long Island boaters and cruisers, often traveling with members of the “Birthday Club” to an array of tropical destinations and to Alaska. Marilyn was also a member of the “Desperate Bookworms” and a regular at weekly card games and Bingo with the “Woods Edge Ladies.”

Those who knew her considered Marilyn to be playful, confident, strong, and a role model to others. Marilyn wasn’t afraid to join in on the fun with her nieces and nephews, or be the first on the dance floor at a wedding. She embodied love, forgiveness, and friendship. Though she lost her long-fought battle with lung cancer, her legacy demonstrates her resilient spirit and serves as a testament of strength to those she leaves behind.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, sister, brother-in-law, daughter, nieces and nephews, and her many loving and lifelong friends. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Disabled American Veterans.