It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Serafino “Joe” Abate on August 5, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in post-war Southern Italy on March 17, 1928, Joe was raised by his mother Teresa Abate and aunt Assunta Notti. In 1951, he immigrated to Canada, taking on various jobs until he met his future wife, Agnes Teevens. Together they began a new chapter in Atikokan, where Joe secured work with the Caland Ore Company and the couple built a life filled with community involvement, faith, and service.
Joe was a self-taught plumber, electrician, and mechanic, skills he used to lead the family in building their cherished cottage on Nydia Lake. Later, he developed a passion for aviation, purchasing, flying, and maintaining his own plane for many years. He was a proud patriarch to his children Teresa, Tony, and Rose; grandfather to Lisa, Alison, and Mia; and “papa” to great-grandchildren Dax and Delta. His love for technology kept him connected daily with family via his iPad, which he called one of the best inventions of his lifetime.
After Agnes’ passing in 2014, Hali was a constant presence by Joe’s side. In 2008, he returned to his hometown in Italy after sixty years away, returning to Canada with renewed gratitude for the life he had built as a proud Canadian, rooted in his Italian heritage of family, faith, and generosity.
Joe served Atikokan faithfully, including nearly thirty years as a volunteer firefighter. He had a keen interest in politics, a hearty laugh, and a love for well-salted food and coffee with just a hint of sugar.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by his cousin, Monsignor Pat Stilla, at St. Patrick’s Church, Atikokan, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Acute Care Unit of the Atikokan General Hospital.
