List of 2 items.

• About Judge Charles Abdella

  The Hon. Charles A. Abdella '60 grew up on Grafton Hill, Worcester, and graduated from Saint John's, College of the Holy Cross and Boston College Law, beginning his practice in 1967. After 31 years in private practice and 11 years on the bench, he retired in 2009. He had been first justice of the Western Worcester District Court, sitting in East Brookfield, for a decade. He left a few years ahead of his mandatory retirement age "to enjoy the precious blessings of life. ... My wife Monica and I have three granddaughters and they are a thrill to us. You could say that granddaughters, alma maters and community involvement keep me busy."

  
  In addition to founding the Abdella Center for Ethics, Judge Abdella spends time volunteering for Saint John's, the XBSS National Board, Holy Cross alumni activities and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, which supports a museum and library in Faneuil Hall. A jazz lover, he is on the board of WICN radio in Worcester. In good weather, he's often found planting vegetables and flowers, and landscaping.

• George F. Abdella Memorial Trust

  Judge Abdella created the George F. Abdella Memorial Trust, which supports the Abdella Center, in memory of his father's special inspiration, in tribute to his mother's unqualified sacrifices, and in gratitude for the values-based Xaverian education of excellence he received as a student at Saint John's. George Abdella died prematurely in 1960, just after his son graduated from Saint John's. He owned the Globe Press in Worcester and was involved in local political, civic and charitable organizations. He was a councilman from Ward 4, was secretary of the Syrian-Lebanese-American Association, and was active in the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Mercy Church, and the Pioneer Club of Saint John’s. He also served as a trustee of Worcester State Hospital and as secretary of the Hope Cemetery Commission.

  
  “George Abdella was deeply committed to his family, community, and faith and instilled in his children his own love of learning and respect for a Xaverian Brothers education," remarked Headmaster Michael Welch '78. "Judge Abdella chose a fitting way to honor his father’s memory and the values he embraced. All of us at Saint John’s thank Judge Abdella for his exceptional generosity and consideration.”