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]

Joe Abbenda
Bodybuilder 
Personal info
Born (1939-07-04) July 4, 1939 (age 84)
Long Island, New York
Height6 ft (183 cm)
Weight226 lb (103 kg)
Professional career
Best win
PredecessorLen Sell
SuccessorEarl Maynard
Active1959-1963

He 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]

List of competitions edit

Joseph Abbenda in Bodybuilding Competitions
Year Competition[1] Result and notes
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

Media appearances edit

Joe Abbenda has been featured in magazines such as Health and Strength, IronMan, Strength and Health, and Muscular Development.[1] He appeared as himself on the April 1, 1963 episode of To Tell the Truth, not receiving any of the four possible votes.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "Joe Abbenda". Muscle Memory. Archived from the original on November 16, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  2. ^ "NABBA International Hall of Fame". World Fitness Federation. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  3. ^ Tinerino, Dennis (22 June 2017). Supersize Your Faith: Tapping Into God's Miracle Power. Destiny Image Publishers. ISBN 9780768424089. Archived from the original on 11 March 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2020 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ "Joe Abbenda's Mr. America Story". NECKBERG. 2020-02-25. Archived from the original on 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
  5. ^ "To Tell The Truth". YouTube. 1 April 1963. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021.