Abbott was a vigorous man who remained active past his 100th birthday by golfing and dancing. He died of a stroke on January 31, 1995, at his home on Sunset Island off Miami Beach, Florida, at age 107. "The New York Times" obituary read, "Mrs. Abbott said that a week and a half before his death he was dictating revisions to the second act of "Pajama Game" with a revival in mind, in addition to working on a revival of "Damn Yankees". At the age of 106, he walked down the aisle on opening night of the "Damn Yankees" revival and received a standing ovation. He was heard saying to his companion, 'There must be somebody important here.'" Just thirteen days before his 107th birthday, Abbott made an appearance at the 48th Tony Awards, coming onstage with fellow "Damn Yankees" alumni Gwen Verdon and Jean Stapleton at the end of the opening number, a medley performed by the nominees for Best Revival of A Musical, which included "Grease", "She Loves Me", "Carousel", and his own "Damn Yankees".