Francis Floyd Abell

January 18, 1943 - May 7, 2010

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Services:
 

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. in St. John's Catholic Church Hollywood, MD with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation:
  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel,  Leonardtown, Maryland, with prayers being recited at 7:00 P.M.
 

Francis “Floyd” Abell, 67, of Hollywood, MD passed away May 7, 2010 at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his family and friends. Born January 18, 1943 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of Henrietta Thompson Abell and the late John Louis Abell, Jr. He was the loving husband of the late Stephanie Cusic Abell whom he married on March 21, 1964 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD. Stephanie preceded him in death on March 1, 2010. Floyd is survived by his siblings, Peggy Lacey, John Abell, III (Gloria), and Linda Kirby (Bill), all of Hollywood, MD. He was a father figure to many of his nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. In addition to his wife and father, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Lou Wathen, and his brother-in-law, Francis Lacey. Floyd was a 1961 graduate of Leonardtown High School. He worked for the County until being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam where he earned the Medal of Merit. After his military service, he worked as a stonemason for the Architect of the Capitol, from which he retired. Also after his military service, he joined the 3rd and 6th District Volunteer Rescue Squad. Four years later, he became one of the founding members of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad and served as their first president. After serving as a rescue squad volunteer for ten years, Floyd Began to serve his community in another way. He put into operation his own weather station/service which included a weather line that provided updates and daily forecasts. He was one of the first WRC-TV4 Weather Watchers. He was a member of the Atlantic Coast Observation Network, a certified Skywarn Spotter for the National Weather Service, and a member of various other weather organizations. Floyd also enjoyed writing poetry, listening to bluegrass, creating CD’s, crabbing and fishing at his wife’s family home on the Patuxent River. Floyd was a bright ray of sunshine in the lives of so many people-even to those who did not know him personally. While he was very serious about serving and protecting the public with his trustworthy knowledge of the weather, he was also a man with a charming sense of humor, a clever wit, and a big heart. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, MD, where prayers will be said at 7:00 P.M. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Timmy Mattingly, Christopher Cusic, Patrick Woodburn, Jr., Michael Miedzinski, Jr., Steven Abell, Jr., and Brian Allshouse. Honorary Pallbearers will be Harley Cook, Marty Brumback, Bill King, John Zyla, Bobby McGill and Charles (Honkey) Johnson. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church and School 43950 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Guestbook Signatures and Condolences

"Since I was a little girl; I would call and listen to his weather reports...He was a pillar to our community..He will be missed. Thank you for your service for all these years. "
- st marys county resident
- Posted: Sunday, June 13, 2010

"As a fellow weather enthusiast, I had the honor and privilege to meet Floyd Abell and become a friend of him and Stephanie. Floyd had called me up to ask for some assitance on some new weather gear he had received. I was so excited to finally meet Floyd at his house and I was like a kid in a candy store! Floyd was one of the nicest, sincerest, and thoughtful person I have ever met. I could have stayed hours just listening to him talk about weather and all the stories he had. St. Mary's County will miss this great guy...."
- Jim Wyman
- Posted: Monday, May 17, 2010

"To the Cusic and Abell families-I met Porky and Stephanie via the Rescue Squad years ago--truly great people-kind, loving,generous, devoted, fun to be around. What great sadness for all of us left behind--losing two great community members so fast...so soon. About 10 weeks ago, Porky called the organist and myself after Stephanie's funeral and thanked us for our contributions to her service. I'll never forget his kind words and how struck I was that he would be soooo thoughtful after such a tremendous loss--giving others thanks while he was in so much pain. But then I remembered who he was--That's the type of person Porky was. God bless him."
- Cathy Greer
- Posted: Monday, May 17, 2010

"A Perspective on Floyd's Local Weather Observer Activity In addition to his being known on a nation and local level, Floyd belonged to a close knit group of Maryland and Delaware weather observers. Some are here today to provide whatever support they can to can to Floyd's family. Here is what Kevin Shaw, Coordinator, MD/DE Atlantic Coast Observer Network (ACON) and fellow long-time friend and weather observer had to say about Floyd. 5/11/2010 Kevin Shaw, Coordinator, MD/DE Atlantic Coast Observer Network (ACON) and fellow long-time friend and weather observer had to say about Floyd. I was so fortunate to have met Floyd back in the early 1980s through the Association of American Weather Observers. A local weather group, the Atlantic Coast Observer Network, or ACON, formed as a spinoff from the Association of American Weather Observers. Recruiting members for this new organization was relatively easy with observers like Floyd out there, eager to help get us off the ground and make major contributions to our publications and activities back in the pre-internet 1980s. Floyd added so much more besides his excellent data and reports from Hollywood. His humor, his wit, his poetry was so unique among us, and when we gathered he always commanded great respect and attention from all of us. We had frequent meetings, visits to weather stations, dinners, and much social interaction via postal correspondence and phone at first, then gradually through the internet and e-mail. Floyd embraced the new technology. His keen sense of what was right, and what was interesting and relevant to our great hobby was invaluable as our organization grew through the 1990s and into the current century. And he had "come on board" with technology that involved a new way of communication, and use of modern, wireless weather instrumentation. All of us in ACON, some 40 strong throughout Maryland and Delaware, have lost a great compatriot in weather and in life itself. May his great spirit live on forever! Kevin Shaw Gaithersburg, Maryland "
- L Brumback
- Posted: Friday, May 14, 2010

"A Perspective on Floyd's Local Media Persona 5/8/2010 Bob Ryan, Broadcast Meteorologist "We know Floyd was in failing health and his passing so soon after his loss of Stephanie was almost inevitable, much like the sunrises, sunsets, day to day changes in the sky he loved so much. Floyd may not have been the first person to respond to my on-air invitation to become a "Channel 4 WeatherWatcher" but he sure was among the first few and the most loyal and accurate observer of any volunteer weather network. Floyd and Stephanie came to every "WeatherWatcher Picnic" at Channel 4 some 20 to 30 years ago before budget cuts. He was a stone cutter by trade but a meteorologist in his heart. Everyone in St. Mary's County knows about Floyd's Weather Station, his reliable reports and yard of whirligigs. Floyd was a decent honest lovely man who loved his wife his friends and of course the weather. I'll miss his calls and reports but know he is still watching. He enriched all our lives." 5/11/2010 Bob Ryan Continues "When anyone is driving around St. Mary's County and sees a whirligig gently moving in the breeze in someone's yard. . .think of it as the spirit of Floyd and Stephanie now part of the wind and weather." Robert Ryan Washington, D.C. "
- Thomas Brumback
- Posted: Friday, May 14, 2010

"A Perspective on Floyd's National Reputation A Eulogy from Steve Steinke 5/11/2010 Floyd's Perpetual Gift 40 years ago I didn't know Floyd Abell. I knew I loved watching the weather. Growing up in Midwest farm country, I knew just the right country roads where I could drive, stop the car, and get out to view an approaching storm. I could take it all in. I could sense the wind and the smell of rain. And I could watch the clouds unfold in ways that spoke to me. Back then, it spoke to me and me alone. And I often wondered if there was another like me who felt the same way about the weather, and that's when I learned of Floyd Abell. Floyd had already established himself as a meticulous observer who was always most concerned about getting it right, not exaggerating the truth. When his rainfall came up short of others, he was fine with that. When he measured snow, he needed his measurements to be as accurate as it they could be. Floyd needed it "real," and he was dedicated to keeping it that way. Floyd brought to the AAWO his passion for the sky, a wonderful smile, and his ever-present gift of humor and poetry. These days when I look up to the sky I see it just as I did 40 years ago. I never get tired of it. With Floyd's help I learned more about the sky. With Floyd's help, I learned a lot about myself. Floyd gave us his perspective in ways unique to this delightful man. Those of you here today know exactly what his gift was. And when we look up each day, we know that he is looking down in appreciation of our commitment to the sky and to each other. We know, too, that Floyd's gift to us is not past tense. It is as alive today as it has ever been. In Floyd's passing we will all celebrate that gift he wants us to enjoy. I thank Floyd for answering my personal question about if there were others equally as passionate about the weather. Indeed there are many others just like Floyd and me who love the sky, never grow tired of its changing moods, and are defined by the connection we have to it. Thanks for helping me learn that from you Floyd. And thanks for sharing that gift with so many who came to know you. Steve Steinke Phoenix, Arizona "
- C Brumback
- Posted: Friday, May 14, 2010

"Introduction To Eulogy +AMDG+ Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam Inque Hominum Saluterm (To the Greater Glory of God and the Salvation of Humanity) Floyd Abell was a close friend for over 25 years. Like Floyd, I am a weather watcher, and so on behalf of his weather watchers friends everywhere, I would like to talk about Floyd from several perspectives by speaking the words of others who know him well. Some of you may not know of Floyd's national reputation. We have received letters of condolence from as far away as Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. One person, Steve Steinke, provided the following heartfelt words he wanted you to hear. Mr. Steinke is for the most part responsible for Floyd being known on a national level through the creation of the Association of American Weather Observers or AAWO. "
- M Brumback
- Posted: Friday, May 14, 2010

" Eulogy Poem To My Dear Friend, Floyd Abell, RIP 5/9/2010 +AMDG+ "One Great Poet" Sometimes he didn't know it And he certainly never boasted of it But Floyd Abell was one great poet In his own special way He told of glistening winter days And of evening's kaleidoscope rays He revealed his gentle soul With a wit of gold When of tomorrow's weather he foretold His poems have given us much to borrow His words leave us no need for pain or sorrow Nor any worries about tomorrow Scientists say matter can neither be created nor destroyed So know we are with you, Weatherman Floyd Now sadly the sun has set -- your bright shadow has gone away Rest in eternal peace with Stephanie In Jesus' name we pray. God Bless Floyd and Stephanie Abell. Marty Brumback, White Plains, Maryland "
- Marty Brumback
- Posted: Friday, May 14, 2010

"To my dear brother in law, you were like a brother to all of us. Words can't express what I am feeling. I will miss you so,so, much. I know you are happy and you and Steff are looking down upon us. Keep us safe. Love to you"
- Jo Allen Mattingly
- Posted: Friday, May 14, 2010

"We are sorry to hear about Floyd's passing. We will miss not being able to call for our weather forcast and also enjoyed his poems."
- Joe & Heidi Zimmerman
- Posted: Wednesday, May 12, 2010

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Abell and Cusic families during this difficult time."
- Rhonda Wathen
- Posted: Wednesday, May 12, 2010

"To the Abell Family and Friends: We are so sorry to hear about Floyd (Porky). He was a wonderful man and Hollywood's best weatherman. Him and Stephanie will really be missed. Great People . Rest in Peace."
- Tony and Wanda Norris
- Posted: Wednesday, May 12, 2010

"Rest in peace FLOYD: ..F.. - Falling of the autumn leaves. ..L.. Love of weather, friends and music. ..O.. Ocean waves (Calm Seas/Stormy conditions) ..Y.. Yesterdays gone past ..D.. December, (so much falling snow.) Floyd was a true friend and weatherman. He will be greatly missed by all.. "
- Jimmy & Ramona Thomas
- Posted: Wednesday, May 12, 2010

"Winterseat just isn't the same without Floyd and Stephanie to wave and smile in passing, and sometimes stopping for a chat. They will be missed for a long time to come. Truly wonderful relatives, friends and neighbors."
- Sissy Reeder
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"To the Abell Family: You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
- Kenny Dement & Mary Dean
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Floyd, we will miss you. You were truly a St. Mary's County institution. Already miss being able to call Floyd's Weather Service for the forecast. Rest in peace."
- Joseph Norris
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Friend, Neighbor, and weatherman to all. He is and already missed. Steph & Floyd together again."
- Patti Moreland
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Though I never met Floyd, I felt I knew him from his daily weather forecast. In any discussion of the weather, the words, "Well Floyd Abell says" always brought silence so the wisdom of the final authority could be heard."
- Roger Chandler
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"I was blown away this morning when I heard the WKIK morning show host annouce that Floyd Abell had passed. I met him one day about 2 years ago at McKay's in Hollywood and I walked up to him as he got into his car and I asked was he the same Floyd Abell that Bob Ryan, the Weather Man on Channel 4 spoke about and he said "yes I am". We talked for about 6 minutes. What a warm, kind person he seems to be as I walked away from him. I am so sorry for your lose. Trust me he will be missed by this entire county. I pray that GOD will bring comfort to you all at this very difficult time. May GOD bless you all. Thank you for sharing this kind man to us all in St. Mary's."
- Marilyn Harris
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Floyd was the first person we heard every morning. We looked forward to hearing his voice and his stories-often more than we enjoyed hearing the weather. Even my own children called Floyd regularly from college. It was like a piece of them was still back in Hollywood. I appreciated Floyd visiting my class and teaching them about the weather. He was such a kind and gentle soul and we will all miss him."
- Joan Stevens
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"I will miss talking to Floyd on the phone and seeing him at the Garvey Center on Thursday nights. I will especially miss calling him during hay cutting time and when I need the words to a bluegrass song. It was a pleasure to have known him."
- C. Edsel Bradbury
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Floyd was a dedicated and loyal weather observer for our weather team at WRC-TV in Washington. We will miss his daily reports and passion for weather. Our sympathies go out to his family and many friends."
- Tom Kierein
- Posted: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Our Thoughts and prayers are with The Abell Family. There is an awful lot of people that will miss Floyd very Much I know all of his Bluegrass Friends will."
- Robert a Eleanor Alvey
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"My Prayers and thoughts are with you. "
- Robert Alvey
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"Floyd was not only a great weather observer but a true friend. He did many different things for the community. He will be missed by many people. May we all learn from his legacy that he left."
- Bobby Miller
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"Our Condolences to the Abell family."
- Charles &Susie Greenwell
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay a while and leave footprints on our hearts; and we are never, never the same. Floyd was our true friend, a faithful friend, a real treasure and we will miss him more than words can tell you."
- Harley and Janet Cook
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"Abell family, we will always remember Floyd's smile and sense of humor. I know now that he and Stephanie would not be separated to long, after being together for 46 years."
- Paul & Linda Murdock Myrtle Beach, SC
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

""Thanks for calling Floyd's weather station, Todays forecast here in heaven is sunny, warm, with white fluffy cloulds. No sight of any bad weather ahead." Good bye my old friend. May you're sky be blue and the sun always shine upon your face."
- Joe Wheeler
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"To all of the family - I was so sorry to hear the news about Porky. He was always such a friendly guy and I know his family and friends will miss him terribly. Thinking of you all "
- Tism and Alan Blackwell
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"God has given friends to us to walk with us along life's way. To help us in our time of need and put some laughter in our day. And now we miss the laughter of our friend no longer here. But we still have the memories of the one we loved so dear."
- Bobby and Barbara McGill
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"Very sorry to hear of the loss of this pillar of the weather community. He will certainly live on in the hearts of his friends, family, and colleagues. - Chris Strong, National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington"
- Chris Strong
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"My sincere sympathy to Floyd's family. Hollywood has lost a great icon. It won't be the same not being able to call the weather hotline and hearing Floyd's forecast as well as his little bits of wisdom he liked to share with his loyal followers, including my son who since he was a young fella who prayed for snow so hard so he could have a day off school called Floyd's number 6-8 times a night sometimes. Yes, we're all going to miss Floyd so much - not just the weatherman Floyd but also the gentle, kind, meek Floyd; but so sweet that he is with his love Steph once again. Everyone knew that's what Floyd wanted! Rest in peace Floyd. We'll think about you often especially when the weather forecasts snowstorms, bad thunderstorms, etc. We'll always wonder "what would Floyd's forecast be?" "
- Betty (Spalding) Smith
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"SO sorry to hear about Floyd's passing.He was a great person & always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed."
- Becky & Roger Ciarleglio
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"Floyd was a great man, I used to speak to him on the steps of St. Johns Church after daily Mass and also used the weather phone frequently. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
- Paul Lawrence
- Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010

"Our condolences to Floyd's family. He was a good man and will be missed by many."
- Jerry & Suzanne Shaw
- Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010

"Floyd, we will always remember those times on the pier fishing and crabbing until late in the evening. You will be missed, but our memories of you will live on. May you rest in peace. "
- Ben, Julia and Colby Hier
- Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010

"We are truly going to miss not being able to call Floyd to get the weather. He was by far the closest one to being right on the forcast! He is going to be missed deeply. Rest in peace; we know you are happy to be with Stephanie once again. "
- Billy & Gail Norris
- Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010

"Floyd will be greatly missed,he was a good friend. "
- james stone
- Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010

"Deeply saddened to hear of Floyd's passing."
- Larry Norris
- Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010

"Farewell to a fine fellow weather watcher. Our prayers are with you."
- Russell Hobby
- Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010

"We are so sorry to hear of the loss of "Porky". Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and we will miss the frequent calls to get the updated weather forcast. God Bless and our thoughts and prayers are with all."
- CP & Mandy Miedzinski
- Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010

"I'm going to miss calling Floyd everyday not to just get the weather but to just to listen to what he has to say after he gives his weather report. And when we go to mom and dads house and say who's car is that and mom would say oh that's Floyds car he wants your father to change his oil he always brought his car over to have somthing for dad to do and dad would do anything for him cause that's what dad loved to do was to help his good old friend Mr.Floyd out. May he rest in peace with his wife now and God bless him."
- Gwen Bowles-Murphy
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"Floyd was my main source for the weather. Years ago I mentioned to Floyd that I called his weather service every morning as early as 3 a.m. and he told me that he would make sure he updated the information so that I would be able to hear it before I journeyed off to DC each morning...and, he did! I remember one day the TV Channels were not calling for snow and Floyd said we would get 1 to 3 inches. Well, that particular day, instead of wearing dress heels to work - I carried them and sure enough - we had almost 3 inches on the ground by the time I returned home that evening. I loved hearing Bob Ryan say "according to Floyd in Hollywood". Floyd will definitely be missed! I will also miss seeing and chatting with him at 7:00 mass each Sunday. Rest in peace Floyd! You have done your duty."
- Joyce and Jimbo Spalding
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"Porky we will miss you. I was always proud to let folks know your were my cousin as everyone respected you and relied on you as "Floyd the Weatherman" for our County. I know you are now at peace in heaven with the love of your life, Stephanie. May you both rest in peace with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We love you man. Billy and Susan (and family)"
- Billy and Susan Johnson
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"Floyd will be missed by many in St. Mary's County and those who listened for his reports on Channel 4 news. God Bless and my prayers are with Gloria and the rest of the family."
- Nancy Baird
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"As a fellow weather watcher and long time friend, I am so sorry and sad to see Floyd leave us. But he is now with the love of his life Stephanie, and looking on all the great weather and friends and family he had. God Bless you Floyd, you will be missed! "
- Kevin Shaw
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Abell family. He will truly be missed and was a dear friend to all of us."
- Nathan Parker
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"We are so very sorry to hear of Floyd's passing. He will be greatly missed. The only consolation is that he is with the love of his life, his dear Steph. To our sorrow - now we miss them both."
- Norm and Jessie Norman
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"I know this is an equally sad time for the Abell's and the Cusic's families. Floyd and Stephanie touched so many lives and were loved by so many. This is so sad to hear of your losses. Love and prayers to all of you,"
- Frances Weeks-Lacey
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"We can't express how we feel at this point and time not being able to be there with my family. Floyd our dear brother in law, we will miss you as we will our beloved sister Stephanie. To my family, I love you all. "
- Jane and Mickey Hier
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"Deeply saddened to hear of Floyd's passing. I called his phoneline daily for his forecast to see how to dress my little ones for the day. He will be truly missed!"
- Erin Tiede
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"Farewell friend and fellow "weatherwatcher". May you rest in the hands of the Lord. "
- Peg Richardson
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"John and family, we are so sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and sorrowful time. If you or your family need anything please let us know. Billy & Stacey"
- Billy & Stacey Alvey
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"FLOYD I will treasure your friendship, and your great sense of humor forever. You will tuly be missed by all. Rest in peace my friend."
- KENNY BUCKLER
- Posted: Saturday, May 8, 2010

"To the Abell Family, Sorry to hear of the passing of Floyd. He was truly a wonderful man. Thanks for all the years of great weather details. You done one heck of a good job. Rest In Peace"
- Billy Johnson
- Posted: Friday, May 7, 2010

"So sorry to hear about Floyd, He was a good man. I always saw him at the Garvey Center on Thursday nights. He is now with his wife."
- Mary Frances Abell
- Posted: Friday, May 7, 2010

"So sorry to hear that Mr. Abell has passed away. He was the cornerstone of Winterseat. Things won't be the same there with him and Mrs. Abell gone. May they rest in peace together for eternity. "
- Karen Buckler
- Posted: Friday, May 7, 2010

"I'm going to miss being able to call Floyd each day for the weather. I will miss his little pieces of history and his stories. God bless you Floyd as you join Steph."
- Denise Vukmer
- Posted: Friday, May 7, 2010

"I'm sorry for the loss of Floyd "Porky". Now, Hollywood won't be the same with out the Famous Weatherman at just one phone call away. But now he is in peace with his wife, Stephanie."
- Sandy Eversberg
- Posted: Friday, May 7, 2010