Honorable Joseph A. Abbate

THE HONORABLE JOSEPH A. ABBATE, JUST A KID FROM PROVIDENCE.

It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph A. Abbate, a devoted son, brother, father and husband. He passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 74, with his wife and daughter by his side surrounding him with all of the love, care and concern that Joseph always unconditionally and freely gave to so many.

Born in Providence, Joseph (“Joe”) was the second son of four boys born to the late Antonio and Concetta (Barletta) Abbate. He was a lifelong resident of the City of Providence, moving to Lincoln, Rhode Island in 2019. Joseph was the beloved husband of Kathy A. (Cosentino) Abbate, they shared a profound and complete love for each other, the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime and never again, no matter how many lifetimes you live. He was the adored father of Leah M. Abbate, who was his inner peace and joy in life, he loved her more than life itself. He is survived by his brothers Anthony Abbate of New Mexico and William Abbate of Massachusetts, niece Nicole (Abbate) Eastwood, and was predeceased by his brother David (Hector) Abbate. He was the former husband of Cynthia (Renzulli) Abbate.

Joseph struggled to find his way in his early life of humble beginnings. But he always took the road less traveled and that has made all the difference. He joined the US Army Reserves at the age of 16, was the youngest soldier in boot camp, and was promoted to acting corporal after one day. Joseph was honorably discharged after serving two years. During his younger years, he held many jobs eventually finding his way to being dedicated to a life of public service, community involvement, and always utilizing his infinite knowledge to assist and mentor others. He was employed by the City of Providence for 27 years at the Mayor’s Office of Community Development (now Department of Planning and Development) advancing from an entry level position to the positions of Deputy Director and Acting Director of the department. Joseph also served as Executive Director of the Providence Economic Development Corporation and as Legal Counsel for the Providence Plan Housing Corporation. In 2002, he was appointed by Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. as an Associate Judge of the Providence Housing Court. He was later appointed by the Providence City Council as Associate Judge of the Providence Municipal Court where he served for nine years.

Joseph was also employed by the State of Rhode Island as the Director of the Law Revision Office for the Rhode Island General Assembly, furthering his legal knowledge and dedication to being an astute legal scholar. He was appointed by Chief Justice Paul Suttell in 2013 as Magistrate of the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal and was elevated to the position of Administrative Magistrate in 2018. This appointment was a lifelong dream come true. Joseph’s tenure on the bench was one with which he conducted himself in an unbiased manner with integrity and fairness. He had the utmost respect for the rights of all and always endeavored to engender confidence in our justice system.

Joseph received his Bachelor of Science degree from Providence College, graduating summa cum laude in 1986, and also attended the MBA program at PC. While holding a demanding full-time job, Joseph attended law school four nights a week in Boston, never missing a class. In 1991, he received his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School, finishing six months before his class. That same year, he was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar and to practice in United States District Court.

His private law practice concentrated in the areas of domestic and juvenile law, commercial lending, personal injury, real estate and zoning law as well as other areas of general practice of law. From 2006-2009 he served as Assistant Town Solicitor for the Town of Smithfield. Joseph also served as Commissioner of the Rhode Island Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline, on the Board of Governors of the Rhode Island Trial Judges Association, and volunteered as Presiding Judge for the Rhode Island Municipal and State Police Academies for mock trial training. He was a former Board member of the Aurora Civic Association, the Finance Committee of St. Augustine Church and the board of Trustees for Trinity Repertory Company.

Joseph was the absolute cornerstone of his family. Caring for his family and friends and spending time with them is what brought him the greatest joy in life. From days at his family beach house in Narragansett, to holiday dinners, Sunday breakfasts and everything in between, moments together were always filled with laughter, love, and delicious food. Cooking was one of Joseph’s greatest passions. Even during his cancer treatment, he made it a priority to prepare dinner each night for Kathy and Leah, always ensuring to make extra to share with extended family. Joseph took great pride in his Italian heritage, honoring traditions passed down through generations by preparing elaborate holiday meals, baking Christmas cookies, making struffoli, and bottling his homemade limoncello. In addition to the many holidays spent at home, many special occasions were also spent at The Old Canteen - a staple in Joseph's life. For many years, up until they closed, you could find him every Friday night at 5:00 p.m. at "Table 5." Joseph always cherished his time there with great food and treasured friends he made there over the years.

His love of gardening provided his friends and family with fresh tomatoes, zucchini flowers, frittatas, and homemade pesto throughout the entire summer. He was an avid runner who religiously ran three miles a day, every day, up until very recently. He had a love for reading and especially enjoyed books that involved legal matters. Joseph was sure to obtain every first edition of each of John Grisham's books as soon as they were published.

Joseph was someone of a strong Catholic faith. While Joe loved making pizza rustica and ricotta pies during the Easter season, he particularly loved this time of year due to its religious importance and symbolism of renewal, hope, and joy. It seems only fitting that Joseph was called home to the Lord on Holy Saturday. He was a lifelong faithful communicant, and parishioner of St. Augustine Church and The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

Joseph passed away from complications of prostate cancer. He valiantly fought a 9-year battle, with great strength, quiet resolve and private dignity, keeping this fight private not wanting any sympathy or special treatment. During his early years of treatment, he would complete his court calendar daily and then travel to Boston each day for extensive treatment. All throughout this period, he ensured he could preside over his court calendar and he continued to perform his judicial duties with honor, compassion and distinguished service.

Joseph and his family would like to thank Dr. Bradley McGregor, MD and Sheila Enderby, RN, who provided exceptional care to Joseph and all the doctors and staff that were a part of his care at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In addition, Joseph would like to especially thank all of the judges and staff at Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, especially the support of Chief Judge Domenic DiSandro, III.

Although he passed on too young, he was grateful to God for the life he was given, the love he shared with Kathy and Leah and his family and friends and the Blessings bestowed upon him. He died with a broken heart, agonizing over the fact that someday he would not be there for Leah, Kathy and his family and friends - always thinking of others before himself until the very end.

Joseph will forever be remembered as a humble gentleman, a caring and compassionate person with unwavering loyalty to family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, 639 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence with entombment to follow in Saint Ann Cemetery, Saints Peter and Paul Mausoleum. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or St. Edward’s Church Food and Wellness Center  https://www.stedwardfoodcenter.org/index.php. For online condolences, please visit NardolilloFH.com