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First St. Pius X Graduate

from Connections Est. 1956 Summer 2023

from Connections Est. 1956 Summer 2023, page 31

Sartan Open

Joe Abbin Class of 1960

Joseph P. Abbin, began his high school career as one of 114 freshmen in the basement of St. Charles Catholic School in the fall of 1956. This was the original location of St. Pius X Catholic High School, as the Louisiana Campus was under construction. As the years progressed, the student body grew but the number of students in the first graduating class decreased to 80. Joe recalls, “Back then, not a lot was tolerated. We could be a rough bunch and it was easy to be expelled.” Not only did he make it through, but he was Senior Class President, Editor of the Yearbook (Chi-Rho), and most notably, the very first graduate of St. Pius X High School. The first edition of the Chi-Rho was published his senior year and dedicated to Father Daniel Rice who was instrumental in the realization of the need for a Catholic High School in Albuquerque. Upon completion of the Louisiana Campus, the Class of 1960 walked the halls for only one year, but they would leave a legacy that would impact generations for decades.

Upon graduation, Joe earned his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico in 1964 and 1966, respectively. He has led a multifaceted career spanning engineering, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. For thirty years, from 1964 to 1994, Joe worked at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, where he contributed to various areas, including nuclear weapons, national security, and energy systems.

While at Sandia, Joe began his second career, serving the community and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Reserve Office, working part-time as a patrol officer in various areas and shifts of the city under twelve different chiefs. Joe worked for APD for 36 years and was the last of his kind when the reserves program closed in 2020, during the pandemic. This unique firsthand experience gave him invaluable insights into the challenges and intricacies of law enforcement in Albuquerque. In 2018, Joe authored the highly acclaimed book “ABQ Blues – Crime and Policing in Albuquerque, NM,” which critically examined the criminal justice system in the area, highlighting issues and proposing solutions.

After his retirement from Sandia, Joe opened Motorhead Mart, an automotive bookstore and publishing house that later evolved into Roadrunner Engineering, a company that analyzes, designs, and sells high-performance equipment and books for automotive applications. As a registered professional engineer (now retired) in the state of New Mexico, Joe’s expertise has led to the publication of over 50 articles and the authorship or co-authorship of five books in his field. Additionally, he holds five U.S. patents, showcasing his innovative contributions to the industry.

Joe Abbin has left a lasting impact throughout his accomplished career through his engineering contributions, entrepreneurial ventures, and civic engagement. His knowledge, expertise, and dedication continue to make a difference in the fields of automotive engineering and public safety in Albuquerque. On the brink of his third retirement, Joe is focusing on his research, writing, and lecturing on automotive topics and addressing the alarming crime problem in Albuquerque. His dedication to exploring solutions and raising awareness of this issue showcases his commitment to improving the safety and well-being of his fellow citizens. As Joe continues to live a life of public service and safety, he reflects on his heroine, his mother, whose dedication and determination ensured he and his brother, Thomas ’63 received a good Catholic education. Joe’s parting words to the Class of 2023, “You can only do this once, it isn’t a dress rehearsal; hard work and education pay off. Be curious and be skeptical, and remember, time spent doing something is never wasted.”