Joseph Alexander Abey was Rotary International President in 1961-62. His vision for Rotary:
Act. Aim for Action. Communication For Understanding. Test for Leadership.
Joe Abey was born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA and the son of a newspaper man.
Joe attended North Eastern University in Evanston, Illinois and the University of Minnesota. He published six newspapers in the US South then move to Reading, Pennsylvania to direct circulation of the eagle times.
Already a leader in the Chamber of Commerce of Reading as well as the Boy Scouts Council and Salvation Army, Joe joined the Rotary Club of Reading in 1936. After service in the Club and District offices, he served Rotary in a number of international appointments, including chairman of the Rotary Foundation Trust. Joseph Abey took the reins of the presidency in 1961 - 62 at the age of 67.
Joe Abey was a tireless worker for Rotary and went on to organise a new Rotary Club and drew up their charter in one day. He was a strong advocate of Rotary extension in South America and of Rotary assistance in economic and social reform there, and in other struggling nations around the world.
