Joseph Sabato, Jr.

HOLDEN, MA - Joseph “Joe” Sabato, Jr., MD, 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Leominster Crossing in Leominster. Born in Malden and raised in Tewksbury, Joe was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Anne Sabato. He resided in Holden for the past several years.

Joe pursued his undergraduate education at Boston University and went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Chan Medical School. With a career spanning over four decades, Joe served as an esteemed emergency room physician and assistant professor at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH, the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, FL, and the UMASS Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA.

A dedicated advocate for public health, Joe's commitment to injury and illness prevention was unwavering. In response to the tragic deaths of 11 teenagers in 1996, Joe founded the Community Alliance for Teenage Safety in Derry, NH, championing the cause to raise the mandatory seat belt age in New Hampshire from 12 to 18 years old. His passion for preventing heart attack deaths led him to tirelessly promote Hands-Only CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators. Joe found immense joy in working with and teaching first responders and medical students.

Beyond his professional life, Joe was an avid runner and a devoted fan of the Boston Celtics. He cherished his roles as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Joe is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joyce Sabato; his four children and their spouses, Joseph and his wife, Stacia of Auburn, Francis and his wife, Amy of Salem, NH, Anthony and his wife, Anna of Nashua, NH, and Christopher and his wife, Ashley of Bridgewater. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren; Anthony, Thomas, Gianna, Jaxon, Dexter, Robyn, and Patrick; and four siblings; John Sabato of Tyngsboro, Carol Heidenrich of Chelmsford, Wayne Sabato of Holderness, NH, and Paul Sabato of Cape Neddick, ME.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joe’s family from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, July 16, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 17, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMASS Chan Medical School, Office of Advancement, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, in memory of Joseph Sabato Jr., M.D.