Joseph Paul Alcalá

With heavy hearts, we share that Joseph Paul Alcala, a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, passed away on the morning of December 27, 2024, at the age of 61, leaving a big hole in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born in Pomona, California, on July 27, 1963, to Joe and Teresa Alcala, Joseph, affectionately known as "Guppy" or Joe, brought joy and laughter to everyone he met.

Joseph had a contagious zest for life, always ready with a smile, a joke, and perhaps playful prank for an unsuspecting friend or family member. A true people person, he loved hosting gatherings, from casual get-togethers to his famous tamale extravaganzas and BBQ feasts. He even dreamed of joining the competitive BBQ circuit! He was a talented cook, always eager to put his own spin on new recipes and the latest food trends. Joseph was known for his gregarious, kind, and generous nature, making friends wherever he went and always offering a warm goodbye with a big bear hug.

Joseph graduated from San Diego State University in 1988, with a degree in applied mathematics. He then went on to work at General Dynamics, Computer Sciences Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and concluded his illustrious career with an impressive 25 years at Hitachi Vantara.  He started at Hitachi as a Presales SE in the Denver office for a year, before joining the Advanced Technical Consulting Team, where he spent his next 16 years.  Most recently, he worked as one of the key solutions engineers who helped define a clear path to validate the company’s management software offerings; he also spearheaded efforts in data protection and successfully managed all engineering interactions with key technology partners. Joe’s eagerness to learn and contribute made him unique and he had a significant impact in multiple efforts with key solutions such as HyperScale X, Hitachi Data Protection Suite, Ops Center, Hitachi Mainframe Cyber Resiliency, and VSP One SDS Block receiving multiple Platinum and Sapphire Awards for his contributions.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Gayle; his mother, Teresa Alcala; his sister, Anna Alcala (Tamas Vejsz); sister-in-law, Traci Patton (Jeff); niece Gwen Patton; nephew Riley Patton; and many dear extended family members. He was preceded by his father, Joe Alcala; sister, Laura Marfil; and parents-in-law, Allan and Lynn Peppeard.

There will be a Vigil Service, with a viewing beginning at 3pm, followed by the Rosary starting at 5pm, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, held at Drinkwine Family Mortuary located at 999 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, Colorado, 80120.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton, Colorado. 

Immediately following mass, the family will host a reception to celebrate Joseph at Peak Recreation Center, 6612 S. Ward St., Littleton, Colorado, 80127. Refreshments will be provided, and guests are encouraged to share their memories and stories from 12 to 3 p.m.  Interment will take place at a later date. You will find a link to the livestream of the funeral mass at Joseph Paul Alcala Funeral Mass. This link will remain active after the funeral concludes and you will be able to view the recorded Mass as it will remain active.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation, P.O. Box 416, Franktown, Colorado 80106, in Joseph’s memory.

Joseph’s legacy of love, joy and laughter lives on in all of us who had the pleasure of loving him.  He was, and will always be, larger than the life he lived.

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