Deepest Condolences on the Passing of the Honorable Joseph A. Abbate

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of the Honorable Joseph A. Abbate, of Lincoln. He was the beloved husband of Kathy A. Abbate, with whom he shared a caring and devoted marriage, and the cherished father of Leah M. Abbate. His love, guidance, and unwavering commitment to his family were the guiding forces of his life; and

WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, Joseph A. Abbate was the second son of four boys born to the late Antonio and Concetta Abbate. He remained deeply connected to his roots and community throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, From humble beginnings, Joseph forged a remarkable path through determination and resilience, joining the United States Army Reserves at the age of 16 as one of its youngest enlistees, and beginning a lifelong journey defined by discipline, perseverance, and service to others; and

WHEREAS, Joseph's distinguished career in public service included 27 years with the City of Providence, where he rose from an entry-level position to serve as Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Development (now known as the Department of Planning and Development), and further served as Executive Director of the Providence Economic Development Corporation and Legal Counsel for the Providence Plan Housing Corporation; and

WHEREAS, A committed and accomplished scholar, he graduated summa cum laude from Providence College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1986, attended the college’s MBA Program, and earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1991 while working full-time, illustrating extraordinary dedication by attending evening classes and completing his degree ahead of schedule; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, he was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Providence Housing Court and later served for nine years as an Associate Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, where he earned a reputation as a fair, thoughtful, and compassionate jurist who treated all who appeared before him with dignity and respect; and

WHEREAS, Joseph served the State of Rhode Island as Director of the Law Revision Office for the General Assembly. He was deeply valued by his former colleagues and was widely respected for his legal acumen, intellect, and commitment to the integrity of the law; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his public roles, he maintained a private law practice concentrating in domestic and juvenile law, commercial lending, personal injury, real estate, and zoning law, and also served as Assistant Town Solicitor for the Town of Smithfield from 2006- 2009; and

WHEREAS, He was appointed as a Magistrate of the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal in 2013 and elevated to Administrative Magistrate in 2018, fulfilling a lifelong dream and conducting himself on the bench with integrity, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to justice; and

WHEREAS, Judge Abbate further contributed to the legal and civic community through his service on the Rhode Island Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline, the Board of Governors of the Rhode Island Trial Judges Association, and numerous civic and cultural organizations, including the Trinity Repertory Company and St. Augustine Church; and

WHEREAS, A man of deep faith, he was a lifelong communicant and parishioner of St. Augustine Church and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and his life reflected the values of compassion, humility, and service that he held dear; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joseph Abbate was the cornerstone of his family, finding his greatest joy in time spent with loved ones, whether at his family beach house in Narragansett, around the table sharing pizzas he prepared, or celebrating cherished traditions rooted in his Italian heritage, including cooking elaborate holiday meals, baking traditional pastries, and sharing his homemade limoncello. He treasured the many years spent at The Old Canteen in Providence, where he could often be found among friends, enjoying good food, fellowship, and the camaraderie of a place that held special meaning in his life; and

WHEREAS, Joseph was also passionate about gardening, running, and reading, and was known for his generosity in sharing his talents and treasured customs with family and friends, leaving behind lasting memories imbued with warmth, laughter, and love; and

WHEREAS, Throughout a courageous nine-year battle with prostate cancer, Judge Abbate demonstrated extraordinary strength, quiet resolve, and unwavering perseverance, continuing to faithfully carry out his judicial responsibilities while undergoing treatment and never seeking sympathy, exemplifying the very highest standards of dedication and dignity in public service; and

WHEREAS, Besides his wife and daughter, Joseph is survived by his brothers, Anthony Abbate and William Abbate, and his niece, Nicole Eastwood. He was predeceased by his brother, David Abbate; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable Joseph A. Abbate will be remembered as a humble gentleman, an accomplished jurist, a dedicated public servant, and, above all, a loving family man whose life was defined by integrity, faith, and an abiding commitment to others; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the Honorable Joseph A. Abbate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Joseph A. Abbate.