Joseph Usibelli Sr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Usibelli Coal Mine, dies at age 83

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Usibelli Coal Mine of Fairbanks lost its Chairman of the Board of Directors on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

In a press release, the company announced that Joseph E. Usibelli Sr. died in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Peggy Shumaker by his side. He was 83 years old.

Usibelli became president of the coal mine that bears his family name in 1964 at age 25 after his father Emil passed away unexpectedly.

During his tenure, Usibelli initiated the modernization of the mine’s equipment, introduced new mining techniques, and implemented a successful land reclamation program.

In 1987 his son, Joe Usibelli Jr., became the company’s president. Joseph E. Usibelli Sr. is survived by his wife, Peggy Shumaker; his sister Rosalie Whyel; six children (Joe Usibelli Jr., Cathy Usibelli, Mitch Usibelli, Anna Tavener, Rob Usibelli, and Sean Usibelli); ten grandchildren, three nieces, and a nephew; and three great-nieces and nephews.

“My dad was a visionary and a pioneer in Alaska’s mining industry,” said Joe Usibelli Jr., President of Usibelli Coal Mine. He was known for his ingenuity, generosity, and his deep love for his family, employees, and community. Together, we mourn his loss.”