Family, Friends Mourn Joseph W. Abbato Jr., Wedding Photographer, Brick Public Works Employee

BRICK, NJ — Family and friends are mourning the death of Joseph W. Abbato Jr., a longtime photographer and employee of the Brick Township Department of Public Works, who died June 28 at home. He was 67.

"Most people who live in Brick who got married in the 1980s and '90s had my dad as their wedding photographer," his daughter, Kimberly, said in an email to the Patch, "and he never once had a client who was upset with him and his work."

When Joseph retired from photography, he took a job at the public works department, answering phones for people calling to schedule bulk pickups or with complaints or issues, she said. He loved working there, she said: "He was the guy who went into work an hour early just to make a pot of coffee for everyone coming in."

And he continued to work even as he underwent dialysis three times a week, Kimberly said. "Dialysis drained him, yet he still continued to work and refused to retire. He felt if he didn't work he would lose his work family." He spent 12 years working for the department, she said.

"Anyone who knew my father would say his selfless, caring and kind-hearted he was," Kimberly said. "He was friends with everybody and had not one enemy."

In addition to his years as a photographer, Joseph had a passion for collecting guitars, antiques, and African art and he loved nature and every animal in it and would never kill a fly.

Joseph was born in Jersey City and lived in Washington Township in Bergen County for many years before moving to Brick in 1974.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Donna (MacDonald) Abbato, his daughter Kimberly and her boyfriend Joseph DeSante, and his two sisters, Donna Mulrane and her husband Patrick Sr., and Judy Barea and her husband Frank, all of Toms River. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial gathering was held July 5; arrangements were by Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Highway 88 Brick, NJ 08724. The family asks that those wishing to honor Joseph's memory to please make donations to your local animal shelter.

Photos provided by Kimberly Abbato