2026 -- H 8419

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LC006297

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE

JOSEPH A. ABBATE

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, J. Lombardi, Chippendale, Hull, Newberry,
Dawson, Shanley, Solomon, Kazarian, and J. Brien

     Date Introduced: April 09, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House 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,

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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 House of Representatives 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.

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LC006297

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