Joe Abbenda [SEP] occupation
Joe Abbenda
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 Mr. Universe competition in 1962, and the professional winner a year later, in the 1963 NABBA Mr. Universe.
He is of Italian descent, and at the time of competing in championships, was one of only two Italian-Americans to have done so.
His father, a boxer, started his training at the local YMCA. He grew up in a rough area, white in a black neighborhood, surviving numerous death threats, but remained focused. Attending East New York Technical High School from aged 13–16, he "packed three inches onto his arms, netting 16 inches total at a bodyweight of 175 pounds." After graduating high school he worked for Olympic Radio and TV. There he met Joe Abbenda who became his mentor, along with Bill Pearl, advancing his training sessions