Joseph E. Abely

Joseph E. "Bumpa" Abely, age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on December 11, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helena (Woodburn) Abely. Joe was raised in Norwood, where, as a young boy, he found his love for sports, playing hockey on local ponds and baseball with his neighborhood friends. He developed his work ethic at a young age, managing part-time jobs to help support his siblings, while attending Norwood High School. Following his graduation in 1950, Joe embarked on a career at Turnpike Lumber in Norwood, working in the yard and driving the delivery truck. He went on to earn a position at FM Global in Norwood, helping to build mock houses for testing in the fire insurance division.

As the war in Korea escalated, Joe answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Army. He was stationed with Company A, 10th Ordinance Battalion at the nuclear testing site, Trinity in New Mexico. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, Joe returned home to Norwood, where he married his beloved wife, Evelyn (Walsh) Abely in 1958. The young couple made their home in Norwood and Joe took advantage of th GI Bill to take electrical engineering courses at Northeastern University. With his studies behind him, Joe was offered a position at Northrup Corporation, serving as the shop supervisor of the MX Missile Program. Joe's career continued in the engineering field, taking a position with EG & G in Waltham. He worked diligently as the operations manager, designing and building underwater sonar systems.

In 1964, with his career on track and a growing family, Joe and Evelyn moved into a new home on Common Street in Walpole. Joe loved his home in Walpole and all the amenities it provided for his family. On any given day, he could be found in his yard making sure the landscape was meticulously maintained, taking true pride in home ownership. He looked forward to the winter months, spending hours constructing a skating ring in the back yard, where he could teach his children about his passion for hockey. As the ice began to melt, Joe looked forward to cooking on the grill, hosting cookouts for his family in the yard. After building a cottage in North Falmouth, Joe and his family spent summers enjoying the Cape life.

In 1998, Joe married his wife, Ann, and together they made their home in North Haven, Connecticut, where Ann’s beloved sons and wives Steven & Denise, Jim & Stacey Brian & Chaleen, Chris & Dawn along with their children welcomed Joe into their families. At his North Haven home, Joe loved spending time outdoors, working in the yard, watching the wildlife, and feeding the birds. He came home to Massachusetts often, as he knew how important it was to hold onto and strengthen his relationships with his children and grandchildren. Every year he hosted an annual "Journey of Life" event, renting out a hotel ballroom to gather everyone together, telling stories of years gone by. Of all the titles that Joe held throughout his life, his personal favorite was Bumpa. He adored his grandchildren and was always put in charge of "fun and games" at every family event.

Beloved husband of Ann (McGovern) Abely and the late Evelyn (Walsh) Abely.

Loving father of Patricia Donovan of Framingham, Joseph Abely and his wife, Alesia, of Walpole, Tom Abely of Wrentham, Ted Abely and his wife, Linda, of Mendon, the late Ginny Stokinger, and the late Alice Abely.

Cherished grandfather of Denise, William, Kaytee, Christy, Danny, Dallas, Joey, Sofia, Justin, Alexa, Kendall, Grace, and Michael; and great grandfather of Noah, Rory, Hunter, Declan; and Charlotte.

Brother of Nancy Ross of Norwood, John Abely of Guatamala, the late Michael Abely, the late Paul Abely, the late Mary Butler, the late David Abely, the late Robert Abely, and the late Richard Abely.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Joe's family would like to warmly acknowledge the wonderful staff at the Maples Rehabilitation Center in Wrentham for their excellent care and kindness shown to Joe and his family. They are forever grateful.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joe's visitation on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Interment will take place privately at Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, at 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh