May 15, 1954 – March 1, 2026
Paul J. Abdo, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend
Paul J. Abdo, 71, of Olean, passed away on March 1, 2026, surrounded by family in Olean, following a 5-month courageous fight against glioblastoma.
Paul was born in Olean on May 15, 1954, and was the son of the late John and Betty (Shewairy) Abdo.
Paul attended Archbishop Walsh High School (1972), SUNY Brockport (1976) with a Bachelor of Science, and St. Bonaventure University with a Master of Science in Education (1983).
On August 9, 1980, Paul married the love of his life, Jean Griffin, at Francis Hall Chapel at St. Bonaventure University. During their over 45 years of marriage, they were fortunate to frequently visit their children and grandchildren and travel to many places throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, where he was a member of the finance council and a long-time usher, and a member of Birch Run and St. Bonaventure Golf Courses. Paul had 5 holes-in-one throughout his golf career. He was an avid snow skier, NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan. Paul enjoyed solving puzzles and Rubik’s cubes.
Paul taught high school math for 40 years in total between Archbishop Walsh High School and Genesee Valley Central School. Paul also taught computer math and was a long-time coach of football, wrestling, and golf. He was a ski club advisor, senior class advisor and class moderator.
He received the Buffalo Diocese Outstanding Teaching Award (1983), Religious Educator of the Year (1992), and Allegany County Educator of the Year (2005).
Paul is survived by his wife, Jean (Griffin) Abdo, son, Daniel (Ashley) Abdo of Clermont, FL; daughter, Stephanie Abdo of Charlotte, NC; grandsons Landon and Ryder Abdo; sister Suzanne Monroe (James Blakely), brothers Robert (Diane) Abdo and Stephen (Lorrie) Abdo, brothers-in-law John Griffin, James (Debra) Griffin, sister-in-law Mary Jo (William) Sliger and many nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, his sister-in-law Catherine (Griffin) Fraser, and her husband William Fraser.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4-7 pm at Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 931 N. Union St, Olean, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Paul to the Glioblastoma Foundation http://www.glioblastomafoundation.org, Roswell Park Cancer Center http://www.roswellpark.org/giving or Penn York Junior Golf League http://www.swnynwpa.com/penn-york-junior-golf
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
