OXFORD – The Village of Oxford community was shocked yesterday by the untimely death of well-known community figure and former mayor, Richard Abbott.

Abbott, who was known to his friends as “Dick,” was 60 years old.

“Our prayers go out to Dick’s family as they mourn their loss during this most difficult time,” Oxford Mayor Terry Stark said yesterday, speaking on behalf of the village board. Abbott’s death, he said, was indeed a shock to the community.

Abbott served the municipality as a village trustee from 1987 to 1991, before being elected mayor. He held two terms in the village’s highest office, from 1991 to 1995.