George Abate

February 27, 1920 - June 6, 2016

George Abate passed away unexpectedly after a short illness on June 6, 2016. George was born in Napa on February 27, 1920 to Domenico and Maria Abate, both immigrants from Italy. Raised in Napa, her started school with English as his second language. Following graduation from Napa High School, he worked for Napa Lumber Company as a draftsman drawing house plans. It was there he met his future wife, Jean, who was working as their secretary. With the outbreak of World War II, he was drafted and spent the next four years in the Armed Services. Initially stationed in Los Angeles at Army Headquarters working in Mapping Operations., he was later sent to Engineering School in North Carolina and ultimately shipped overseas to the Philippines. While he was on leave in 1944, he and Jean were married in Reno, Nevada. After discharge from the Army, he joined the staff of Napa County Assessor Samuel L. Webber. In 1950, he was appointed City Assessor for the City of Napa and held that position until 1956 when he returned to county staff as Assistant to Napa County Assessor W. R. Johnson, When Johnson announced he would not seek reelection in 1962, George sought the position and was elected County Assessor. He served six four-year terms in that position, facing opposition only once- the last term which he won by a landslide. He officially retired January 5, 1987. He played an important role in educating the public about the consequences of California Assembly Bill 80 which increased the assessed value of agriculture properties throughout California. The information provided by him was a key factor in the planning Commission and Board of Supervisors decision to create the Agricultural Preserve in 1968/ He was present at the meeting and public hearings, addressing concerns and questions regarding its impact on land values. Throughout his career. He was active with the California Assessor’s Association. He served four terms as the President of the Bay Area Assessor’s Association, served on the Executive, Legislative, and Standards Committees of the California Assessor’s Associations, and was an active member of the International Association of Assessing Officers. During the 1960’s, he and Jean built a cabin at Cobb mountain where they enjoyed spending weekends and vacations. They moved to the country in the 1970’s and quickly adjusted to ranch living, He was active in many local organizations and as of late particularly enjoyed the Native Sons First Friday Luncheon. With a big smile and a sense of humor, when will be greatly missed. George was predeceased by his mother and father; his two sisters, Angelina and Anna; by his wife, Jean (2013). He is survived by his daughter, Barbara; and an extended family of cousins and very good friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in his memory to the charity of the donor’s choice. Viewing will be at Claffey & Rota Funeral Home, Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 1pm to 5pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 10:30am.