Joseph Tasker, Jr.

Joseph Tasker, Jr. died peacefully in his bed surrounded by his family at home in Tucson, AZ. He is survived by Connie, his spouse of 53 years, their children Joe and Kate, son in law Seth, and grandchild Sylvia. He will be dearly missed my many – his Sontheimer brothers and sisters and their children, as well as his extensive network of friends and associates around the world.

He was born in Tulsa, OK, on May 6, 1950, where he was raised by his aunt Mildred Ahlstrom Pugh. He met and fell in love with his wife Connie during Howdy Week at Oklahoma University, where they were both honors scholars. After marrying their junior year of college, they made their way to Washington, DC, for graduate school. It was there that they built their life and family together.

He enjoyed a rewarding professional life as a litigator, counselor, trusted advisor, and mentor over his nearly half-a-century legal career in the nation's capital. He was particularly proud of his role in co-founding the Eben Tisdale Public Policy Fellowship at the Fund for American Studies, which gives students first-hand experiences working with a variety of private and government organizations. 

His curiosity was not limited to the law. He shared his many diverse interests in the joys and beauty of life with those around him, especially cuisine, music, science fiction, culture, and politics. He will be remembered fondly for his misty-eyed gentle laugh as he delighted in the absurd or profound.

Memorial services will be held at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Washington DC.