Joseph Thomas Alben

Joseph Thomas Alben, 97, of Phoenix, AZ passed away suddenly on November 22, 2018. Born in Alton, IL, he was the son of Josephine Taulli and Paul Alben of Sicily, Italy. "Joe's" wife of 70 years Flora, preceded him in death, on February 11, 2016. Joe is survived by his younger brother, Thomas Alben, of Scottsdale, AZ; his loving sons Ronald, Paul, David, Phillip & Scott; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

He retired from the original Valley National Bank, in 1982. In addition, Joe also had a lifetime passion for music from early on, which he carried through his military stint and public life, as well. He was part of the Ray Andrade Orchestra, here in Phoenix (saxophone/clarinet) for many years and performed at many of Phoenix and Scottsdale resorts, hotel ballrooms and other venues, to include the Arizona's famous Encanto Park Band Shell, here in Phoenix. Joe always had a captivating smile and sense of joviality that captured most folks he encountered. Joe was a very proud WWII U.S. Army veteran. His love of baseball probably yielded him as Phoenix's #1 St. Louis Cardinals fan.

A gathering of family and friends will take place between 10:30 AM-12:30 PM on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85020, to be followed by graveside services at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix 85024 where "Joe" will be resting with his wife, Flora. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com for condolences.

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