William B. Abbott, 45, of Tinley Park, who for years worked in the optical industry, died Monday of pancreatitis at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. Mr. Abbott, who was born in Chicago, attended Reavis High School in Burbank, where he met his wife, Anita. He was a longtime employee of Lenscrafters and was once an area director responsible for lab operations at several of the company’s stores. An avid bowler since age 14, Mr. Abbott competed on a bowling league team with his two sons. When his son Gregory died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome some years ago, Mr. Abbott became an advocate for the SIDS Alliance of Illinois. He and his wife organized several fundraisers for the organization. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Michael W. and Timothy C.; his parents, Charles and June; three brothers, Richard, Ronald and Charles; and a sister, Mary. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Lawn Funeral Home, 7732 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday at St. George Church, 6707 W. 175th St., Tinley Park.
