Joseph E. Abraham II

Joseph Edward Abraham, II (Abe), was born in 1922 in Manhattan, NY to the late Joseph Ephraim and Lorraine Abraham (nee Rouse). Joseph went home to be with the Lord on August 8, 2024 at the age of 101. He resided at the NJ Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, NJ.
Joseph was raised in Glassboro, NJ and attended school there. He started working as a dishwasher and became a waiter in Franklin Town Inn (Franklin House) now known as the Landmark. He worked different jobs and attended night school in Philadelphia. While attending night classes at the Radio and Television Institute in Philadelphia, he completed courses in radio, television and broadcast transmission. He was employed as a laborer at the Philadelphia Naval Yard where he became an electrician before being drafted into the military.
Joe proudly served his country in the US Army during WW II. During his deployment, he traveled to New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. Joe trained as a boxer while in the military and he won a Golden Glove boxing award in his weight class. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Glassboro.
As a determined, industrious individual, Joe established his own business, "Abe's TV Sales and Service" on Lincoln Ave in Glassboro. In1949, Joe married the love of his life, Eleanor. He built his home on Academy Street and moved his family and his business to his home. Later, his business moved up town to Main Street, then to Delsea Drive, Glassboro, where he signed with the Radio Shack franchise which provided for his family. A major accomplishment was when he became the first African American to own a Radio Shack franchise in the Northeast region. He retired from Radio Shack in 1996 at the College Town location. He moved his residence to Clayton, NJ where the family lived for more than 50 years. Joe and Eleanor were blessed with 73 years of holy matrimony.
At the age of 13, Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior on a Sunday School trip to Wildwood with Mount Zion Baptist Church, where his father was a founding member. As a faithful church member, Joseph committed his life to serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Glassboro and the Gloucester County Community Church in Pitman, NJ. Joe was a dedicated deacon, trustee, usher and altar worker, along with many other areas wherever his gifts were needed. Joe and Eleanor were regular participants in the Forever Young group at the GCCC.
Joseph was a real "people person". He was lovingly known as Abe, J. E., Edward, Abey. He was very involved in the communities of Glassboro and Clayton. In Glassboro he served on the town council and was instrumental in the naming process of the Dorothy L. Bullock school. He had a sincere concern for helping people. One of his memorable events was organizing a weekly skating outing for African American youth to have fun at the Franklinville Skating Rink. He would load his Abe's TV van with as many children as could fit. There were talent shows, skating contests, and dancing, along with celebrity artists and disc jockeys who provided entertainment. The children were always excited and thrilled and couldn't wait for the next Tuesday.
Joe possessed an engaging and quick-witted personality which he never lost and he also loved a challenge. An adventurous spirit who loved to travel, Joe once became a matador on a memorable trip to Acapulco, Mexico, where he fought the bull in the ring. Other unforgettable experiences included his three trips to Hawaii. Joseph also loved his family and extended his love and care whenever it was needed. He enjoyed hosting family backyard barbeques and participating in family reunions. He always made time to talk and laugh with his family and friends. With his sharp memory, Joseph was able to memorize and recite most of John 14 and Psalms 27. He loved spending time doing Word Search and got a kick out of completing Sudoku puzzles because he was so good at doing them. Joe also enjoyed being on his computer because it allowed him to stay connected to family and friends. In his later years, he delighted in reciting his favorite poem "Happiness" to anyone who expressed a willingness to hear it.
Beloved husband of the late Eleanor Abraham (nee Stokes). Devoted father to the late Larry Abraham (Sylvia), Annetta Allen, Joseph E. Abraham, Jr. (Marlene), Beverly Autore (Michael), Mark Abraham (Brenda). Loving grandfather of Troy Abraham, Tanya Atterberry (Julius), Craig Abraham, Christopher Abraham, Candice Davis (Sammie), Yusuf Perry, Maryum Mims (Don), Jamil Perry, Michael J. Autore, Liana Autore, Eric Abraham, Nicole Arduino (Rico) and great-grandfather of 9. Loving brother to Louise Gray (the late James), Norman Abraham (the late Susan), the late Ethel Pierce (the late Artie) and the late Naomi Goode (the late James). Joe was a very caring uncle and great-uncle to a host of nieces, nephews and many friends who will cherish his memory.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Saturday, August 17th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Gloucester County Community Church, 359 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, where a service will be held at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Forever Young Program, Gloucester County Community Church, 359 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 or www.gcccpray.com.