ABELY, Joseph F., Jr. 87 of Sea Island, GA and Osterville, MA passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Joe was born on January 22, 1929 in Arlington, MA and grew up in Belmont. He was the son of Joseph F. and Nora (Coffey) Abely. A graduate of Boston College Class of 1950, Joe earned a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a JD from Harvard Law School. He served in the United States Air Force and went on to have a long career in senior executive positions in companies such as W.R. Grace, General Foods, RJR Industries and SeaLand Corporation, where he served as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer until his retirement. He also served on the Boards of Directors of entities including Burlington Industries, Bard Pharmaceuticals, Nations' Bank, Applera and Perkin-Elmer. He was also a member of the American Red Cross' Blood Services Committee. Joe and his wife Brenda were loyal and generous benefactors of Boston College. Joe served as a BC trustee from 1976-1983 and 1985-1993, including serving on its Executive Committee. Joe often said that he learned his trade at Harvard but was educated at Boston College. An avid and enthusiastic golfer, Joe had been a member of Oyster Harbors Club, Wianno Club, Winchester Country Club, Ocean Forest, Sea Island Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, Woodway Country Club and The Beach Club. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Malta. Joe is survived by his loving wife of almost 59 years, Brenda Conlon Abely, and their children, James Christopher Abely of Sea Island, GA and Washington, DC and Karen Latham of St. Simons, GA and his granddaughters Kimberly and Caroline Latham. Joe was also the beloved brother of the late William F. Abely and the late John K. Abely. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews to whom he served as a loyal and valued mentor. A private service will be held in Sea Island Georgia. A memorial service will be held in Boston-area later this summer. Donations may be made in Joe Abely's memory to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100

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Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 2 to Jun. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH ABELY

Sponsored by Larry, Karen, Cara and Kimmi.

13 Entries

L J

July 2, 2016

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. John 14:1 our Heavenly Father cares for us.

June 11, 2016

To the family and friends of Joseph Francis Abely:

In reading about Mr. Abely Jr. it was so remarkable to me that he was married over 59 years. What a beautiful thing! I'm so sorry you have all suffered this lost. Please know that there are things God loves and hates. He loves seeing us enjoy the gift of marriage and he hates death. 1 Corinthians 15:26 talks about how he feels about death and that he will bring it to an end.
Something to look forward to.
Sincerely,
Your neighbor

M `James

June 7, 2016

My deepest sympathies. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3,4)

Cindy Cook

June 5, 2016

James,

My condolences to you and your precious mother. I know your father is so very proud of all your hard work. First becoming successful in your career as an attorney. Then in your kindness and devotion in taking care of your mom and dad these last 3 years. You have set a precedents in your love and devotion as a son. I pray that my own sons will follow such a example.
You gave your life to take care of your parents. You made sure that your father and mother have peace and tranquility at a time they can no longer look out for themselves.
Your father and mother are so very blessed to have such a loving and selfless son.

Cindy Cook

Cynthia Mansco

June 4, 2016

May you guide and watch over your loving daughter, Karen as she mourns your passing. We're never too old to miss our parents. God bless all of Mr. Abely's family and prayers to keep you united in HIS love.

D T

June 4, 2016

May your fond memories of happy times together bring comfort. May you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to keep guard over your hearts and minds.

Shanna Dunn

June 4, 2016

My condolences to Brenda and James.

Joe, may you rest in the peace knowing how your legacy lives on in your son James.
James love and devotion surpass no other son in the care he gave To you and Benda..
It states in the Bible to take care of your parents in their elderly age. I know you are now able to look down from heaven with such pride and love at the devotion your son James gave you. And continues to give his mother Brenda.
James is an example of pure selflessness in his devotion..
Joe, i'm so very glad that the last two years of your life you were able to live in peace due to such Selfless love and devotion your son gave to you.

Shanna and Sara

Ewa Debowska

June 3, 2016

My condolences for the lost to You and Your Family. R.I.P Mr. Abely.

Jo Davis

June 3, 2016

Karen, I know your dad now completely well. He knows and understands everything including how much you truly love him.

Stacey Harkless

June 3, 2016

Jim, please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of your father. He raised a wonderful son. May he rest in peace.

June 3, 2016

My condolences for the loss of your loved one may are heavenly Father comfort your family 1peter 5:9,10

Mike Lane

June 2, 2016

Dear Brenda, Jimmy and Karen I learned today of Joe's passing and send my condolences and love. I will never forget the kindness and joy extended to me when I lived in NYC and visited The Abely family in Darien CT. It was always so warm and welcoming. It felt like home.
Joe was an inspiration to me, he always seemed to strike a perfect balance between family, his professional career and community service. He was a truly gifted leader and person. Joe will be in my thoughts and prayers always.

Karen Latham

June 2, 2016

Dad, although we had are moments of arguing and disagreeing...I always looked at you as my rock. You were my hero and now you are my angel! I guess you could say I have a super hero angel watching over me. I love you dad and I miss you now and for always. Kaz

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