Joseph Michael Abate

Joseph Michael Abate, 67, formally of Staten Island, New York, passed away at his home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Thursday, February 18, 2021 after battling lung cancer as a result of his work at the World Trade Center Ground Zero site.  He was born on February 5, 1954 in Bayonne, New Jersey to the late Joseph C. Abate and Sally (Barresi) Abate. 

Joseph was a graduate of Susan B. Wagner Highschool and Apex Technical School. He was a proud member of the Electrician’s Union, Local #3. Joseph, retired for almost five years, was a successful electrician for the New York City Police Department after 37 years of service. 

Joseph was a very hard-working and devoted man who had many interests and dreams. He took great pride in his roles as husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was happiest in his home in South Carolina. Joseph loved going out to dinner with his wife and spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending local concerts and events with his friends and neighbors. Joseph especially loved talking to people, sharing jokes and silly memes and spending time golfing. When visiting Staten Island, he enjoyed reminiscing with his past coworkers. Joseph will forever be remembered for always coming to the rescue of his family and friends, no matter if it was day or night. He will also be remembered for his incredible strength and skilled workmanship. As said by his brother, Joseph “could be as stubborn as can be, but under that hardened shell, he was a softie.”

Left to cherish Joseph’s loving memory are his beloved wife of 44 years, Lee (Guarino) Abate and four children: Angela Goldman (Barry), Joseph Abate Jr., Nicole Gioino (Mark), and Michele DePalma (David). He will forever be remembered by his nine adoring grandchildren: Kayla, Cameron, Gabriella, Rocco, Felicia, Alessia, Alyssa, James and Riley; as well as by his three siblings: Linda Sive (Albert), Daniel Abate (Theresa) and Deborah Scalera (Steven Greco), and by his brother-in-law, Frank Guarino (Carmela). Additionally, Joseph is remembered by many nieces, nephews, and several great nieces and great nephews and especially by his best friend and dog, Lucy.

Joseph is now in God’s hands, resting in eternal peace.

As per Joseph’s wishes, a Celebration of Joseph’s life will be held privately with immediate family members. The family respectfully asks, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://tunnel2towers.org or the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center at https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/giving. 

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