Joe Abbenda (born July 4, 1939) is an American former professional bodybuilder during the early to mid-1960s. 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.
Abbenda was born on Long Island and raised in Queens, New York, graduating from Long Island City High School in Long Island City, Queens.
Abbenda is of Italian descent, and at the time of competing in championships, was one of only two Italian-Americans to have done so. He attended Adelphi University in 1957.
List of competitions + Joseph Abbenda in Bodybuilding CompetitionsYearCompetitionResult and notes1959Mr New York City3rd in Tall1959Teen Mr America1st1960Mr America5th1960Mr New York City2nd Overall, 2nd in Tall1961Mr America2nd1962Mr America1st Overall, 3rd in Most Muscular1962Junior Mr AmericaEast Overall Winner1962Mr Universe1st Overall, 1st in Tall1963Mr Universe Pro1st Overall, 1st in Tall
Media appearances 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.
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