SEBEC – Joseph Vincent Abbate, Sr., 79, adopted son of Maine, died Feb. 4, 2006, in Dover-Foxcroft, of a prolonged illness. Joseph was born in New York City, N.Y. in 1926 and grew up in the immediate vicinity. He distinguished himself by serving his country in Europe during World War II, as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps. In 1951, Joseph married Margaret Locaputo and the couple settled in the New York area to raise a family. An avid outdoorsman, Joseph loved to hunt, fish and garden. In 1952, he purchased land in Sebec, spending his free time there, with the dream of someday living on the land with which he fell in love. Employed in various positions, Joseph worked as a senior building inspector toward the end of his career. He retired and permanently moved to Maine in 1991, thereby fulfilling his lifelong dream. Joseph is survived by a brother, Russell; a sister, Marie; his wife, Margaret; his four children, Joseph Jr., Susan, Janeen and Vincent; and his four grandchildren, Maggie, Angelina, Matthew and Alexandra. Friends are invited to call 2-3 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at St. Thomas Aquinas Holy Family Parish, Dover-Foxcroft, with Fr. James Robichaud, celebrant. Spring Burial will be in Sebec Corner Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Thomas Aquinas Holy Family Parish, 45 High St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.
JOSEPH VINCENT ABBATE SR.
