Joseph Anthony Columbus Jr.

May 15, 1952 -

Apr 6, 2024

Joseph Anthony Columbus Jr. died on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from the cancer he had been bravely fighting for over a year. He was surrounded by his family and friends at the end.

In his early life Joe entered the Catholic seminary and studied for the priesthood in Rome, Italy. He pursued that path for a time, but eventually returned to Anchorage, Alaska, to resume his life outside the priesthood.

Joe was a multi-talented Renaissance man: a builder and player of harpsichords, pianist, painter, photographer, graphic designer and superlative chef. He worked on various projects involving the family businesses led by his brother, Bill, whom he loved dearly. Joe was always a great admirer of his brother's work ethic and skill in managing the family businesses.

In 2000, he married Geneva "Gena" McAlpine who brought her young son, Cullen, into the marriage. The three of them formed a new family and treasured each other. Besides being a loyal and loving husband to Gena, Joe was a wonderful stepfather to Cullen.

Joe was appreciated for his quiet, calm demeanor and deep reflections that were apparent to the lucky few who knew him well. He lived his life through the lens of his moral code that was heavily influenced by his staunch Catholic faith. Joe and Gena were parishioners at Holy Family Church and gave generously to Catholic causes and charities.

Above all, Joe embodied the virtues of integrity, honesty and loyalty - the qualities upon which this country was built. His loss is deeply mourned by his wife and stepson, his many friends and his new family - the Yazdis, through Cullen's marriage.

A funeral Mass will be said for Joe on April 27, 2024, by Father James Moore of Holy Family Church.