John Joseph Abbattista

John Joseph Abbattista

With deep love, we announce the passing of John Joseph Abbattista, 82, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who passed away on August 15, 2026.

Born on May 16, 1944, in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Corrado Abbattista and Maria Domenica (Altamura) Abbattista. John was a proud first-generation Italian American. He attended Demarest High School in Hoboken before going on to St. Peter's College in Jersey City, where he played wide receiver on the football team. After graduating, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He married Janet (Olen) Abbattista on April 4, 1970. He served in the Vietnam War, and upon returning home was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. During his time in service, he was a highly decorated Marine who served 27 years in the USMC, retiring with the rank of Colonel.

After leaving active duty, John and his wife Janet returned to New Jersey to settle down and start a family. He built a distinguished career, beginning on Wall Street, before transitioning into Network Television — first with NBC, and then with the ABC Television Network (Disney), where he spent more than 25 years. He retired as Senior Vice President Revenue Planning Sales & Administration. John was admired by his peers and colleagues alike.

John and Janet were blessed with three children, Jennifer, Jay, and Stacy, and five grandchildren, Avery, Anderson, Abbagail, John, and Reagan, whom he treasured. John and Janet later retired to Seabrook Island, South Carolina.

Above all, John loved his family — his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews — and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them. He loved to dance, socialize and enjoyed reading the Sunday New York Times. He was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

John is survived by his wife, Janet (Olen) Abbattista; his children, Jennifer Abbattista, Jay Abbattista (Tyler Plank), and Stacy Abbattista (Justin Nixon); his five grandchildren; his brothers-in-law, Bob Mogni and William Olen (Susanna); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.

Services will be held at 10:00am, August 29, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3871 Bety Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29455. John’s final resting place will be with his fellow Marines at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to USMC Heritage Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.