Arthur J. Abagnale, Jr. was born on March 23, 1936 in the Bronx, New York. He resided in Ridgefield Boro, Bergen County, New Jersey. He attended Leonia High School in Leonia, New Jersey. Prior to joining the New Jersey State Police, Trooper Abagnale served with the United States Marine Corps.

Trooper Abagnale enlisted with the New Jersey State Police on February 6, 1961 as a member of the 57th State Police Class. He was stationed in Troop “B” and later at Troop “D” Newark. His service with the Division was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper Abagnale died as a result of an automobile accident while in the line of duty.

On June 11, 1962, Trooper DeFrino was on patrol, riding north on the New Jersey Turnpike in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey. Troopers Milan Simcak and Arthur J. Abagnale, Jr. were passengers in the Troop car, being transported to Interchange #18 of the Turnpike where their private vehicles were parked. The weather conditions at the time were clear, bright sun and hot.

Trooper DeFrino was at milepost 108 north and was following a 1959 Mack Dump Truck off the Passaic River Bridge that had received a flat left front tire when his car was struck in the rear.

Six civilians were injured. The three troopers, DeFrino, Simcak and Abagnale, were taken to West Hudson Hospital and were pronounced dead on arrival.

Trooper Abagnale served 1 year and 4 months with the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper Abagnale was survived by his parents. He was 26 years old.