S3211

S3211

2026 -- S 3211
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LC006329
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T 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:
Senators Bissaillon, Ciccone, and Paolino

Date Introduced:
April 14, 2026

Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
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WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of the
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Honorable Joseph A. Abbate, of Lincoln. He was the beloved husband of Kathy A. Abbate, with
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whom he shared a caring and devoted marriage, and the cherished father of Leah M. Abbate. His
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love, guidance, and unwavering commitment to his family were the guiding forces of his life; and
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WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, Joseph A. Abbate was the second son of
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four boys born to the late Antonio and Concetta Abbate. He remained deeply connected to his
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roots and community throughout his life; and
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WHEREAS, From humble beginnings, Joseph forged a remarkable path through
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determination and resilience, joining the United States Army Reserves at the age of 16 as one of
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its youngest enlistees, and beginning a lifelong journey defined by discipline, perseverance, and
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service to others; and
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WHEREAS, Joseph's distinguished career in public service included 27 years with the
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City of Providence, where he rose from an entry-level position to serve as Deputy Director and
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Acting Director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Development (now known as the
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Department of Planning and Development), and further served as Executive Director of the
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Providence Economic Development Corporation and Legal Counsel for the Providence Plan
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Housing Corporation; and
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WHEREAS, A committed and accomplished scholar, he graduated summa cum laude
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from Providence College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1986, attended the college’s MBA

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Program, and earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1991 while working
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full-time, illustrating extraordinary dedication by attending evening classes and completing his
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degree ahead of schedule; and
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WHEREAS, In 2002, he was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Providence Housing
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Court and later served for nine years as an Associate Judge of the Providence Municipal Court,
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where he earned a reputation as a fair, thoughtful, and compassionate jurist who treated all who
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appeared before him with dignity and respect; and
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WHEREAS, Joseph served the State of Rhode Island as Director of the Law Revision
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Office for the General Assembly. He was deeply valued by his former colleagues and was widely
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respected for his legal acumen, intellect, and commitment to the integrity of the law; and
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WHEREAS, In addition to his public roles, he maintained a private law practice
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concentrating in domestic and juvenile law, commercial lending, personal injury, real estate, and
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zoning law, and also served as Assistant Town Solicitor for the Town of Smithfield from 2006-
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2009; and
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WHEREAS, He was appointed as a Magistrate of the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal in
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2013 and elevated to Administrative Magistrate in 2018, fulfilling a lifelong dream and
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conducting himself on the bench with integrity, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to
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justice; and
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WHEREAS, Judge Abbate further contributed to the legal and civic community through
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his service on the Rhode Island Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline, the Board of
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Governors of the Rhode Island Trial Judges Association, and numerous civic and cultural
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organizations, including the Trinity Repertory Company and St. Augustine Church; and
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WHEREAS, A man of deep faith, he was a lifelong communicant and parishioner of St.
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Augustine Church and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and his life reflected the values of
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compassion, humility, and service that he held dear; and
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WHEREAS, Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joseph Abbate was the
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cornerstone of his family, finding his greatest joy in time spent with loved ones, whether at his
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family beach house in Narragansett, around the table sharing pizzas he prepared, or celebrating
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cherished traditions rooted in his Italian heritage, including cooking elaborate holiday meals,
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baking traditional pastries, and sharing his homemade limoncello. He treasured the many years
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spent at The Old Canteen in Providence, where he could often be found among friends, enjoying
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good food, fellowship, and the camaraderie of a place that held special meaning in his life; and
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WHEREAS, Joseph was also passionate about gardening, running, and reading, and was
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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
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WHEREAS, Throughout a courageous nine-year battle with prostate cancer, Judge
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Abbate demonstrated extraordinary strength, quiet resolve, and unwavering perseverance,
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continuing to faithfully carry out his judicial responsibilities while undergoing treatment and
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never seeking sympathy, exemplifying the very highest standards of dedication and dignity in
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public service; and
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WHEREAS, Besides his wife and daughter, Joseph is survived by his brothers, Anthony
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Abbate and William Abbate, and his niece, Nicole Eastwood. He was predeceased by his brother,
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David Abbate; and
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WHEREAS, The Honorable Joseph A. Abbate will be remembered as a humble
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gentleman, an accomplished jurist, a dedicated public servant, and, above all, a loving family man
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whose life was defined by integrity, faith, and an abiding commitment to others; now, therefore
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be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest
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condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the Honorable Joseph A. Abbate;
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and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Joseph A. Abbate.
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LC006329
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