Canuto "AB" Abruntilla, 74, beloved husband of Mary Lois Ellis Abruntilla, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Ralph H. Johnson V.A. Medical Center. He was born on January 24, 1949, in Eastern Long Island, NY, the son of the late Canuto Abiel Abruntilla and the late Susan Espaseto.
AB, as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, lived a life filled with love, service, and passion. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched the lives of many with his warm smile and kind heart. The epitome of a true gentleman.
A faithful servant of his Lord and Saviour, AB served in several church leadership roles through the years and spent countless hours being the hands and feet of Jesus. He attended Screven Baptist Church, where he served as a soundboard technician and member of the property committee for the church.
Prior to his retirement, AB proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He served with honor and distinction. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of duty, discipline, and patriotism that remained with him throughout his life.
After his military service, AB embarked on a fulfilling career at International Paper, where he worked for a total of 25 years at both the Georgetown mill and Riverdale mill in Selma, AL. While working for IP, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and was top of his graduating class from Coker College.
AB was an avid golfer, finding joy and relaxation on the green. He had a talent for tinkering in his shop, always trying to fix things and working with his hands. He also enjoyed his time spent with his sons-in-law hunting, especially his Ellis Family hunt trips to Alabama each year. But what AB cherished the most in life was his time spent with his family. His daughters and grandchildren was his heart in human-form.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Lois Ellis Abruntilla of Georgetown; two children, Catalina Fortner (David) of Camden and Donata Bolden (Trey) of Georgetown; three grandchildren, Jacob Fortner, Hennecy Fortner and Whitney Ellis Bolden; four brothers, Peter Rosanti of Orlando, FL, Vincent Rosanti (Emily) of Orlando, FL, Butch Abruntilla (Roe) of Hollywood, FL and Anthony Abruntilla (Kathy) of CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also two very dear friends, Fred Koeppe of Georgetown and Michael Grebb of Myrtle Beach.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.
A funeral service to celebrate AB's life will be held at 10 AM Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Screven Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Wednesday at Ridgeway Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 43 Tabor Dr. Georgetown, SC 29440 or to Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy Suite 410 Rockville, MD 20852
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ridgewayfh.com
Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242