Dr. Brazie Guy Abbate

Waynesville, Dr. Brazie Guy Abbate, 88, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 26, 2021.

A native of Graves End Bay section of Brooklyn, New York, Guy was the proud son of Sicilian parents Emmanuel and Margaret Bono Abbate.  In addition to his parents, Guy was preceded in death by the love of his life Lucretia Sue Dukes Abbate, who passed away in 2016; and one sister, Marie Abbate Colletta.

When one looks at a career summary of the work of Guy Abbate, MD, it is easy to recognize his passion for applying medical skills in the service of humanity.  Like any good physician, Guy has used medicine as a tool for preserving good health.  He also has used it to promote cross-cultural dialogue, build international understanding and demonstrate his deep Christian faith with people of diverse faiths and backgrounds.  Guy received his bachelor’s degree from Wagner University and completed medical school at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.

Guy’s medical career began at Meadowbrook University in New York City where he served his residency.  He then transitioned to New York University and served as an Associate Professor in Urological Surgery.  Guy was appointed as Meadowbrook Hospital’s transplant surgeon prior to being named Chief of Urological Surgery at Cam Rahn Bay Air Force Base in Vietnam.  He proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1965-1967.  After his time in Vietnam, Guy returned to New York City and taught surgical urology at New York University and Presbyterian Hospital.  Guy and Lucretia traded the city life for an opportunity to settle in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.  In the early 70’s, Guy opened Blue Ridge Urological Associates in Waynesville.  The first practice of its kind in Haywood County.

Guy and his wife were active in medical mission work travelling to China, India, Singapore, and Africa.  His faith as a Christian was a virtue he freely shared with others.  Guy was one of the founding members of New Covenant Church and strongly supported their mission, “To be a love-centered community offering the hope of Jesus Christ.”

Left to cherish his memory is his loving caregiver and one Guy and Lucretia considered a daughter, Deb Queen Powell and her husband, Jerry, of Canton; three daughters, Monique Pascucci and her husband, Michael, of New York, Michele Zaino and her husband, Larry, of North Carolina, and Francoise DiRusso and her husband, Michael, of North Carolina; one son, Guy Abbate of New York; grandchildren, Melissa Sallustro (Stephen), Matthew Pascucci (Nicole), Madeleine Pascucci, Larry Zaino II (Stephanie), Christopher Zaino, Stephanie Zaino, Michael DiRusso, Elena Abbate and Leo Abbate; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Luca, Christian, Roland, Ophelia, Abigail, Mabel and baby boy Zaino, due November 2021; and a close friend considered a son, Curt Furtado.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Guy’s caregivers Shirley Williams, Renee Mullinax, Carol Williams, Sandra Howell, Sherrie Rathbone, Margie Stepp, Maria Pressley, Debbie Crusius for their consummate care and compassion over these last five years.  The family is also very appreciative to Haywood Hospice for their wonderful care for Dr. Abbate.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at New Covenant Church with Reverend Frank Harvey, Pastor Nick Honerkamp, and Pastor Blake Stanberry officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abbate Christian Medical Mission Fund at Wake Forest School of Medicine, Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 571021, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 or New Covenant Church 767 Lee Rd., Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Dr. Abbate has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.