Michael George Abretski

Michael George Abretski, 85, died peacefully in his home in Gaithersburg (Woodfield), MD surrounded by his family on Friday, June 14, 2024.  He was born July 1, 1938, in Coupon, PA, son of the late Michael Abretski and Delsie (Dixon) Jenkins.

Mike was a 1956 graduate of BCI High School in Coalport, PA where he lettered in baseball.  In Mike’s early years, he worked in the coal mines with his Father and served in the U.S. Army Reserve before moving to the Washington DC/Maryland area in the early 1960’s with his wife and two of his children (Michele and Michael), who were born in Altoona, PA.  Mike’s younger two children (Stan and Diane) were born in the DC/Maryland area.  Upon moving, Mike began his Federal career as a clerk typist with the Department of Agriculture and completed his career as a Management Analyst with the Department of Interior.

Mike, Big Mike, or Bud, as he was called by his friends, was an avid hunter and fisherman.  In addition, he loved to garden and he shared the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors.  Mike also worked on cars and it was not uncommon to see his sons and their friends, gathered over the engine of a car in his backyard.  Mike was a huge Pittsburg Pirates fan and coached little league baseball and was also very involved as a Cub Scout Leader.  Later in his life, he traveled, joined a mushroom club to better his foraging skills, and took up wine making with everyone enjoying a glass of “Mike’s Finest.”

Mike’s pride and joy was his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Mike always made time for the many friends and their children who walked through his front door looking for conversation, a laugh, a heartfelt discussion, or simply to share a bowl of ice cream.  His big smile, laughter, and friendship will be greatly missed by many. Mike was blessed with a family he loved deeply and who loved him even more deeply. All that knew him witnessed his devotion to God and felt his love for the Lord.

Proceeded in death by his wife, Marjorie Ann Abretski; his son, Stanley Paul Abretski; his sister, Gloria “Irene” Lee; and his brothers, Junior, Thomas, Theodore, Chalmers Jenkins, and Paul Abretski.

Mike is survived by his three children, Michele (Frank) Cooley of Gaithersburg, MD; Michael J. Abretski of Gaithersburg, MD; and Diane (Scott) Trammell of Ijamsville, MD.  He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Michael W. (Bekah Rundall) Abretski of New Cumberland, PA; Erin Abretski of Gaithersburg, MD; Joseph (Maxine) Abretski of Richmond, VA; Jessica (Sufyan) Labay of Walkersville, MD; David (Laken) Abretski of Sterling, VA; Benjamin Trammell of Grantsville, MD and two great-grandchildren, Lily Rose Labay and Jace Abretski, a cousin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may visit from 7-9PM on Friday, June 21, at Roy W. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Road, Gaithersburg (Laytonsville), MD 20882.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM Saturday, June 22, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1125 St. Michael’s Road, Mount Airy, MD 21771.  Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S Market Street, Frederick, MD, 21701, next to his bride, whom he dearly loved.  

Flowers are welcomed or donations can be made to St. Jude (http://www.stjude.org) in Mike’s memory.  

If you are unable to attend the service on Saturday, you may livestream the service at one of the links below:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdZ3NcvZs9_fuiVl7uFzlg

or go to the church website http://www.smpschurch.org and click on the livestream link on the main page.

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