Abel H. Joe

Abel Harold “A-B” Joe of Darby, PA, formerly of Coatesville, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA following a lengthy illness.

Born in Coatesville, PA on August 13, 1954, Abel was the youngest of six children born to the late Hammie and Sarah Belle (Williams) Joe. Abel was the husband of the late Patricia Rippy who died in 1991.

Abel was a 1973 graduate of Coatesville Area Senior High School and a 1977 graduate of Cheyney University.  Many will argue that Abel was the best ever all-around athlete in state of Pennsylvania.  In high school, he set many football records.  He was a member of the 1973 Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star Team. He and Tony Dorsett (of the Dallas Cowboys) were starters in the same backfield. They were both drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. 

Abel was a first team All-Chest-Mont running back, the Maxwell Award winner, All Pennsylvania State First team, The Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area First Team, a member of the Coatesville City Sports Hall of Fame. In high school, he was captain of the football, basketball and track teams.

Abel still holds the high school discus record of more than 172 feet. At Cheyney University he still holds the season and single-game rushing record, most rushing touchdowns in a season and in a career. He was a major part of the 1967 Coatesville Little League Championship Baseball Team.  He threw the high school shot put over 55 feet and high jumped over 6’5’.

Abel was a recreation director in Philadelphia, PA before his illness.  This was a job that he enjoyed.  He also enjoyed sports especially American football, baseball, basketball, and track & field. He was also a gifted artist.  He loved spending time with his friends.

Abel was preceded in death by a brother, David Joe and sister Dorothy Tucker (nee Joe). 

He is survived by four children; sons, Michael Rodgers, Brian Brown; daughters, Salonie Joe, Jacqueline Joe; three brothers: Dr. John J. Joe (Marie) of West Caln Township, PA, William “Billy” “Juicy” Joe (Debra) of Hoover, Alabama and James E. Joe (Angela) of Jacksonville, Florida.

Memorial Services will be held 3 PM Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH Auditorium), 1445 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA. Friends are invited to a meet and greet time beginning at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the Joe family asks that contributions be made to any cancer society charity in memory of Abel H. Joe.

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