Joseph Arthur Philbin

Longtime Alaskan Joseph Arthur Philbin, 59, died in his sleep May 4, 2012, at the Golden Agers Assisted Living Home. He went to be with his mom, dad, sister and brother.

Joe was born in Port Angeles, Wash., July 13, 1952. At the age of 2, he and his family moved to Petersburg, where he spent his childhood and teen years. In September 1970 at the young age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and was shipped to Memphis, Tenn. He was later stationed in Meridian, Miss., where he met Cathy Y. Reeder.

Joe was a jet engine mechanic and a squad leader at a rank of E4. He was honorably discharged in May 1971 and moved back home to Alaska and married Cathy in July. Shortly after, they were blessed with three daughters. He worked as a logger in Petersburg and Wrangell. He also worked as a lineman for the IBEW. Later on, Cathy and Joseph divorced in 1978. Living in Petersburg, he met and married his second wife, Antonia Graffia, and had two more children.

Joe moved around a lot due to work, but he always brought his family, even if it meant bringing them 40 miles up the river for six months. He later divorced his second wife, and because of this, he moved around to different cities and made his way to Wasilla, where most of his family lived. He made Wasilla his home from 1988 to 2012.

Joe had his own business operating heavy equipment — “playing in the dirt,” which he loved. Joe also enjoyed fishing. His favorite spots were Homer and Chitina. He enjoyed boating, hunting, snowmachining, archery, bowling, playing cards and pool.

Joe was a loyal customer of Mocha Moose, a locally owned café, for 17 years. They knew him as “Big Joe.” In honor of him, they named his regular drink “Big Joe,” which was a sugar-free nutty Irishman quad shot, for $3 — the price he paid. They will always remember him.

Joe lived in the Valley for 24 years and he had an open-door policy at his home. If you needed a place to stay he would be there; it didn’t matter the circumstances. Many family members and friends stayed at Joe’s at one time or another. That’s how he was. He had a big heart; he was a big teddy bear. He is loved and will be greatly missed by those close to him. Joe loved his family. He enjoyed his grandkids, taking them fishing, getting ice cream and playing chess with them. He enjoyed going to house dinners and visiting with families.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Peter J. Philbin and Betty J. Philbin; brother, Curtis L. Philbin; and sister, Shannon R. Parnell.

Surviving are his daughters, Tabatha R. Logan of Wasilla, Amy Y. Martin of Georgia, Amanda O. Hudman of Texas and Rebecca J. Graves of North Pole; son, Adam J. Philbin of Wasilla; brother, Bradford J. Philbin of Wasilla; 15 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Joe will be honored by the Navy at Fort Richardson Cemetery June 29. Some of his ashes will be laid to rest there. Be at the Fort Rich gate at 10 a.m. sharp with current identifications.

Following the honors there will be a celebration of his life at 5 p.m., at his daughter and son-in-law’s home at 5320 East Pine Street in Wasilla. Everyone is welcome. Call for directions, 357-0804 or 232-8006. Bring a side dish and a memory to share.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. Online obituary and guestbook may be visited at alaskanfuneral.com.