KENT, Conn.—Paul L. Abbott, 86, a longtime resident of Kent, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Paul was an educator playing many different roles at his beloved South Kent School in South Kent. He retired in 2014 after 49 years of dedicated service
Born on Sept. 26, 1939 in Newburgh, N.Y., 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, N.Y. There, 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 has been a lifetime hobby. 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 in 1962 from Harvard. 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, Conn. He then taught at Uniondale Highschool in Uniondale, N.Y. 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, beaching in Carmel, and romantic evenings in San Francisco. His knowledge of poetry, deep theological discussions, commitment to family and teaching and his 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.
Paul brought his wife and their infant daughter to the South Kent School in South Kent, Conn., in the late summer of 1965. He was on duty for morning chapel services all the way to call in at the end of the evening. He knew when the boys needed tough love or a peanut butter sandwich. He sympathized with the boys when they were sent home and rejoiced with them on small and great achievements. He taught with great energy and love and lived both by 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 schoolteachers, wearing many hats with distinction. He was a master science teacher, served as Dean of Students, college guidance counselor, advisor, coach, business manager, the Ambassador Program director, and was the senior master at the end of his career.
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. A recount stated that he lost by one vote. He also served on The Inlands Wetlands Commission, the Zoning Board and on 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.
In 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 popup camper over the mountains was quite the adventure. Luckily, gas was going for $.19 a gallon. He spent 1971 at NASA and 1972 at Stanford University. At that time, they were making massive changes to computers and analyzing data from the moon landing. Our conversations at dinner were intriguing.
Paul was present at 49 Prize Day ceremonies honoring the South Kent students. This included those for his daughters, Kate (1982) and Ruth (1984). For a brief time in the 70’s and 80’s South Kent opened its doors to local girls as day students. Paul’s last year at South Kent coincided with the graduation of his grandson, Corey Greenberg (2014).
The dedication of the 1971 yearbook went to Paul and said, “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 over two decades ago. It is awarded to a one-year post graduate student who in 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. He is also survived by a brother, Donald B. Abbott of North Andover, Mass., 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 and 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 may be made to South Kent School to establish the Paul Abbott Fund for Faculty Development. Gifts can be made online at southkentschool.org/give/ through the schools giving page or sent directly to South Kent School, 40 Bulls Bridge Rd., South Kent, CT 06785. Designate “Paul Abbott” when making your gift.