"Tacky Park," acquired the nickname of the "People's Republic of Takoma." In his bid for a fourth term in 1985, Abbott lost by just seven votes. Death and legacy Abbott died of myelodysplasia anemia on December 15, 1990, at his Takoma Park home. The Takoma Park City Council passed a resolution lowering the city flag to half-mast, and the Montgomery County Council declared January 5, 1991, Sammie Abbott Day. Hundreds attended a memorial service that was held at the Washington Ethical Society. In 1991, Takoma Park added the name "Sam Abbott Citizens' Center" to its municipal building. In 2002, Abbott was inducted into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame. In 2015, a plaque was dedicated for Abbott in the Citizens' Center. The plaque recognizes Abbott's contributions to Takoma Park and concludes with a quote from him: "If we can't make it happen in Takoma Park, there's no hope for the nation." Abbott's wife, Ruth, died in 2009, and they are survived by their children Nancy Abbott Young, Susan Abbott, and Abraham Abbott. References 1908 births 1990 deaths American community activists Cornell University alumni Mayors of Takoma Park, Maryland People from Ithaca, New York American people of Syrian descent American politicians of Syrian descent Syrian Christians