| Joe Abbenda | |
| Birth Date: | 4 July 1939 |
| Birth Place: | Long Island, New York, U.S. |
| Gender: | male |
| Bestwin: | Professional Mr. Universe |
| Bestwinyear: | 1963 |
| Active: | 1959-1963 |
| Successor: | Earl Maynard |
| Predecessor: | Len Sell |
| Weight: | 226 lb |
| Height: | 6 ft |
Joe Abbenda (born July 4, 1939) is an American former professional bodybuilder during the early to mid-1960s.[1] He competed in the tall man competitions, and as an amateur won the Teen Mr. America in 1959, AAU Mr. America and the amateur NABBA Mr. Universe competition in 1962, and was the professional winner a year later, in the 1963 Mr. Universe.[1] [2]
Abbenda is of Italian descent, and at the time of competing in championships, was one of only two Italian-Americans to have done so.[3] He attended Adelphi University in 1957.[4]
| 1959 | Mr New York City | 3rd in Tall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Teen Mr America | 1st | |
| 1960 | Mr America | 5th | |
| 1960 | Mr New York City | 2nd Overall, 2nd in Tall | |
| 1961 | Mr America | 2nd | |
| 1962 | Mr America | 1st Overall, 3rd in Most Muscular | |
| 1962 | Junior Mr America | East Overall Winner | |
| 1962 | Mr Universe | 1st Overall, 1st in Tall | |
| 1963 | Mr Universe Pro | 1st Overall, 1st in Tall |
Joe Abbenda has been featured in magazines such as Health and Strength, IronMan, Strength and Health, and Muscular Development. He appeared as himself on the April 1, 1963 episode of To Tell the Truth, not receiving any of the four possible votes.[5]