Mike Abel, councilman, was 75

Mike Abel, who served 10 years as a Republican city councilman from District 19, died on Nov. 13. He was 75.

Abel, of Bayside, was known for securing large and numerous city investments in parks and schools. He served in the Council from 1991 to 2001, replacing Democrat Julia Harrison. He was forced out by term limits and was replaced by Democrat Tony Avella.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret, children Michael, Stefan, Nicholas and Carolyn, and his grandchildren.

His funeral Mass took place at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Bayside. He was buried at Mount St. Mary Cemetery in Flushing. His wake took place at Martin A. Gleason Funeral Home in Whitestone.

The Bayside native had been a businessman — he ran a Midas Muffler shop that he sold when it was targeted for a move t