Paul L. Abbott, 86, a longtime resident of Kent, CT, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was an educator who played many different roles at his beloved South Kent School in South Kent, CT. He retired in 2014 after 49 years of dedicated service.
Born on September 26, 1939, in Newburgh, NY, he was the son of the late Nathaniel B. and Clara (Livingston) Abbott. Their example of unwavering devotion to teaching and interest in and respect for every member of the school community lived on in their son.
Paul grew up at the Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York. Here, under the influence of brilliant educators, his passion for teaching was ignited. The interactions between faculty families and the Millbrook boys became his model for an ideal school community.
Situated in the rolling hills of Dutchess County, Millbrook School was the ideal place for our future ecologist to thrive. Paul and his siblings explored the diverse ecosystems of the beautiful campus. He was also involved in various projects in the evolving Trevor Zoo at the school.
Paul had a natural eye for photography. He was intrigued by the subtleties involved in the printing process. Long hours in the Millbrook darkroom perfected his skills. Paul covered all school activities, from sports to visiting lecturers, cultural events, and graduations. He graduated cum laude from Millbrook in 1957. Photography remained a lifelong hobby, and Paul built a darkroom in his Macedonia home.
At Kenyon College, Paul was enrolled in a liberal arts program. He thrived in the small classes. While he relished the new concepts learned in the arts, his passion for the logic and mysteries of science grew. He formed a deep friendship with one of his theology teachers and lasting relationships with some of the seminarians studying with him. Paul graduated cum laude in 1961.
He received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University in 1962. Paul’s goal was to teach in a boarding school, but he also wanted to experience the public-school environment. He started his teaching career at Staples High School in Westport, CT. He then taught at Uniondale High School in Uniondale, NY. In 1965, he came to the Hillside at South Kent School.
In the summer of 1962, a National Science Foundation Grant brought Paul to San Francisco State College, where he found Terese Wagner. He wooed her by mucking around in tide pools, swimming in the San Lorenzo River, walking among the redwoods, spending time in Carmel, and enjoying romantic evenings in San Francisco. His knowledge of poetry, deep theological discussions, commitment to family and teaching, and love of jazz won her heart. On July 4, 1964, at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, CA, he married the love of his life, Terese.
Paul brought his wife and infant daughter to South Kent School in South Kent, CT, in the late summer of 1965. He was on duty from morning chapel services all the way through call-in at the end of the evening. He knew when the boys needed tough love or a peanut butter sandwich. He sympathized with them when they were sent home and rejoiced with them in both small and great achievements. He taught with great energy and love and lived by both the Millbrook School motto, “Not for One’s Self, But for All,” and South Kent School’s Trinity of Values: “Simplicity of Life, Self-Reliance, and Directness of Purpose.”
Following the example of his father at Millbrook School, Paul epitomized the best of boarding school teachers, wearing many hats with distinction. He was a master science teacher and served as Dean of Students, college guidance counselor, advisor, coach, business manager, Ambassador Program Director, and, at the end of his career, Senior Master.
Paul loved the beautiful town of Kent and felt compelled to give back to the community. He enjoyed politics and ran for Second Selectman at one time. The race was a close one. Following a recount, he was determined to have lost by a single vote. He also served on the Inland Wetlands Commission, the Zoning Board, and the Kent Center School Scholarship Committee.
Wanting to increase his knowledge and enrich his teaching, Paul spent several summers studying under National Science Foundation grants. In 1966, he and his young family headed to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. In the summer of 1968, he studied at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. During the summers of 1971 and 1972, Paul and Terese loaded their VW bus with food, clothing, paper, crayons, books, games, and their two young daughters, destined for California. Pulling a pop-up camper over the mountains was quite the adventure. Luckily, gas was selling for $.19 a gallon. He spent 1971 at NASA and 1972 at Stanford University. At the time, researchers were making massive advances in computing and analyzing data from the moon landing. The dinner table conversations were fascinating.
Paul was present at 49 Prize Day ceremonies honoring South Kent students. This included his daughters, Kate (1982) and Ruth (1984). For a brief period in the 1970s and 1980s, South Kent opened its doors to local girls as day students. Paul’s final year at South Kent coincided with the graduation of his grandson, Corey Greenberg (2014).
The dedication of the 1971 yearbook honored Paul and read:
“If there are perfect people in the world, then Mr. Abbott is one of them. He is an excellent teacher, advisor, and friend. In his classroom, anyone who has the slightest desire to learn, learns. Late in the night, sitting in his living room, he can make the days and weeks you have spent worthwhile and make the days ahead seem even more exciting than you thought possible.”
South Kent School established the Paul and Terese Abbott Cup more than two decades ago. It is awarded to a one-year postgraduate student who, during his time at South Kent School, most embodies the principles of the School. This year’s recipient will be attending Suffolk University in the fall.
In addition to his loving wife, Paul is survived by two daughters, Kate Abbott of Fairfax, VA, and Elizabeth Ruth Greenberg and her husband, Elliot, of Kent, CT. He is also survived by a brother, Donald B. Abbott of North Andover, MA, and a sister, Betsy Elkins of Syracuse, NY. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Sebastian, Joaquin, and Jacian Perez; Dillon Greenberg and his wife, Catherine; Kyle Greenberg and his wife, Kristen; and Corey Greenberg and his wife, Krystal; as well as a great-grandson, Paul James Greenberg.
A memorial service at St. Michael’s Chapel at South Kent School will be announced in the fall.
In remembrance of Paul’s life and service, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to South Kent School to establish the Paul Abbott Fund for Faculty Development. Gifts may be made online through the School’s giving page HERE or sent directly to South Kent School, 40 Bulls Bridge Road, South Kent, CT 06785. Please designate “Paul Abbott” when making your gift.
