Joe Alister Brady Jr. was born in Jackson to Joe Alister Brady and Frances Johnson Brady. He was a loyal friend who adored his family and had a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor.
His family and friends will remember Al as having a soft soul and a generous spirit. Al is a graduate of Murrah High School and the University of Mississippi where Al earned a law degree and Georgia State, where he received a master’s in counseling.
Al is survived by his devoted and loving husband of 48 years Michael Lanzilotta; their relationship was a testament to commitment and filled with love and laughter and unwavering support; his sister Joan and brother-in-law H.C. “Buster” Bailey; his cherished niece, Leigh Bailey and husband Jamie Redmond, his nephew Coyt Bailey and his wife Leah; his great nephew Hugh Bailey and great niece Sara Bailey. Also surviving is another great niece, Al’s namesake Alister “Ali” Rothrock and her husband and daughters, Tom, Marleigh and Bailey.
In 1994, Al and Michael purchased their second home in Highlands, N.C. and made it their full-time residence in 2013. Al loved Highlands and developed wonderful friendships with a group affectionately called his “Highlands Family.” Al was deeply involved with community, serving as Chairman of the Board of the Counseling Center. Al was a founding member of Indivisible of Highlands and held the roles of former Democratic Precinct Chair and Co-Chair. Al was passionate about fighting for justice and equality.
His community work included contributions to the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, where he was a choir member and former Vestry member, played a pivotal role in the church’s mission to Haiti, alongside Jane Chalker.
Beyond his civic and church endeavors, Al’s love extended to his cherished dachshunds, Luigi and Travis, who were an important part of his life.
A celebration of Al’s life will be held on December 20, 2025 at the Church of the Incarnation in Highlands, N.C. Friends and family are invited to visit with his loved ones starting at 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. in the Nave, accompanied by his beloved choir. A reception will follow immediately afterward in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al’s honor to Ansanm (which means “Together”), the Haiti Mission at 520 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741, or online at finance@incarnation.org, or alternatively to the Highlands Food Pantry at 348 S. Fifth Street, Highlands, NC 28741, or online at HighlandsFriendshipCenter.org.
