Lasting Memories

Roy Anthony Abbanat
July 27, 1940-Oct. 31, 2024
Lincoln, California

Obituary for Roy Anthony Abbanat, MD July 27, 1940 – October 31, 2024

Roy Abbanat was born on July 27, 1940, in Biwabik, Minnesota. At age seven, his family moved to California, seeking greater opportunities for him and his older brother, Jerry. The brothers shared a close bond, spending their youth attending operas by bus, working at a local pharmacy during high school, and helping at home, often preparing dinner before their mother returned from work.

Roy graduated as valedictorian from El Camino High School in Sacramento in 1958, excelling in a class of 680 students. Recognized for his academic achievements in science and math, Roy received scholarships from the Bank of America and earned a full scholarship to Dartmouth College in NH, where he graduated cum laude in 1962.

He completed his Bachelor of Medical Science at Dartmouth Medical School in 1963 and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California in San Francisco in 1965. During his internship at Dartmouth, Roy met his future wife, Carol, a student nurse at the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (MHMH) where he completed his clinical training. He then completed his two-year residency at Oakland Children’s Hospital.

Roy served his country at Fort Ord in Monterey County, providing pediatric care to children of soldiers preparing for deployment during the Vietnam War. During this time, their first daughter, Beth, was born.

Following his military service, Roy settled in Pleasanton, CA and co-founded a pediatric practice with Dr. David Li, a classmate from UCSF. Roy deeply valued his co-workers and staff, and their offices in Pleasanton and Livermore became staples of the community.

After the birth of their second daughter, Karen, in 1970, Roy and Carol purchased their Gatetree Circle home. Their son, Brian, joined the family in 1973. The years in Pleasanton were filled with joyful family moments. As the children grew older, camping became a favorite vacation activity – especially after upgrading from a tent to a pop-up trailer. Family ski trips, often to new locations and later in an RV (even in the winter), created cherished memories. Roy and Carol also loved traveling, occasionally accompanied by his brother and sister-in-law, adding to their adventures.

Roy retired in 1997, selling the practice to Bayside Medical, and moved to Pollock Pines, where he enjoyed the forest, snow, and views of Jenkinson Lake. Even after retiring, he was often warmly greeted by former patients - now parents themselves – who fondly remembered him as their pediatrician.

After 20 wonderful years in Pollock Pines – highlighted by two family weddings at their home, countless visits from their growing family, and many holidays spend with loved ones – Roy and Carol relocated to Sun City, Lincoln Hills, in 2020. Roy embraced life in Lincoln, cherishing his time there despite facing medical challenges.

On October 31, 2024, Roy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. He is deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Carol Abbanat; children: Beth Stewart (Richard), Karen Jacobson (Eric) and Brian Abbanat (Jennifer); brother, Jerry Abbanat (Carole); niece and nephews: Deanne Abbanat (Paul Caldwell), Steven Abbanat (Susan), Scott Abbanat, and Robert Becker; grandchildren: Ally and Anthony Isenhour, Elise and Chelsea Jacobson, and Megan, Tyler and Sarah Abbanat.

Roy’s life was marked by dedication to his family, his patients, and his community.