Joseph Abel
Obituary
LCDR Joseph Lawrence Abel, US Navy (ret.) of Chester, Pennsylvania and formerly a 40 year resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia and then Downingtown, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was 78 years old. Born on July 28, 1947 in Peoria, Illinois, he was the son of the late Joseph L. Abel and the late Mary Hawley.
He is the beloved husband of Gloria J “Bunny” Abel for 45 years; father of Erin Abel Hartfile; grandfather of Bridgett Tosco (Emmett) and Harper Hartfile; brother of Paula DeMateo (Bob), Mark Abel (Pam) and the late Martha Lainer Giachello; brother-in-law of Marie Roche Roma, Patricia Roche Bernero the late Bernard Roche. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Joe joined the United States Navy in 1967. He held vast career experiences and various assignments in submarine related systems. He was a designated Training Specialist. His final assignment as officer was the lead of Naval Sea Systems Detachment, Seawolf Training Systems Implementation Team Newport News, Virginia where he was responsible for principal review and oversight of curriculum development, logistical support analysis, interactive courseware design, technical methods for electrical, electronic and mechanical systems for the Seawolf class submarine. A highly decorated naval officer, Joe received numerous decorations, medals and citations. He was the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Expert Pistol Shot Medal. LCDR Abel was honorably discharged from the US Navy on July 31, 1993.
He continued his expertise and shared his life experiences in retirement as an independent contractor, executive director for non profit organizations, Communications Officer for City of Virginia Beach, Technical /Administrator for Dale Carnegie Training of Eastern Virginia and project manager for AMS Filling Systems in Honeybrook, PA. Joe was a hard working, loyal, devoted man who loved his family and his Country. He was admired and loved by so many.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the professionals at Kindred Acute Care Hospital for their special care of Joe during his time there.
Visitation with the family will be from 10:30AM to 11:00AM with a memorial service at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the LONGWOOD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION of MATTHEW GENEREUX, 913 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA. United States Navy Honors will be rendered at the funeral home to conclude funeral home services.
A celebration of life reception will follow at Brandywine Prime Restaurant, Chadds Ford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to a charity that Joe supported. Wounded Warriors Foundation click to donate -or- to a charity of your choice.
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