Paul Joseph Nangle

The Alaskan community mourns the loss of Paul Joseph Nangle - a prominent lawyer, devout Catholic, and deeply engaged community member. His legacy lives on through his seven grandchildren - Jack, Cole, Will, McKayla, Dempsey, Ryan, and McKinley - who will carry on the legacy of their "Grand Daddy," with love and compassion.
Paul passed away at home in South Anchorage on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. His children Kerry, Joey, and Christy, find comfort knowing he is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife of 53 years, Cheryl Gehring Nangle. As their remarkable love story transcends beyond this life, family and friends will remember them both with profound affection and gratitude.
Born on Jan. 8, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, Paul was the seventh of 12 children of Judge James and Harriett Nangle. With six boys and six girls, the Nangle home was lively and full of excitement. The boys followed their father's passions for law and baseball - each becoming a lawyer and a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Paul attended St. Roch's Catholic School and graduated from Saint Louis Priory School in 1961. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Regis College in Denver in 1964. Paul served five months and one day in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, a period he remembered years later often humming "The Marines' Hymn" to his children.
Paul attended the University of Tulsa College of Law, where an influential professor diverted his future path. Soon after graduating, Paul embarked on the adventure of a lifetime boarding a plane for Alaska on March 18, 1970.
Paul fell in love with the spirit of Alaska: the people, the wilderness, and the boundless opportunity. He was a pioneer in the Last Frontier.
A bit of maternal matchmaking brought Paul and Cheryl together. During a trip to St. Louis, Paul's mother suggested he call "a real cute blonde" she had met, Cheryl Gehring. Paul's charm, kindness, and ambition made a lasting impression. Within six months, they were engaged, and on June 17, 1971, Paul and Cheryl were married at Holy Family Cathedral.
Blending his expertise in law and accounting, Paul began his career as a tax accountant at Ernst & Whinney, before joining the Anchorage prosecutor's office. He later founded several firms Nangle & Bosch, Nangle & Clark, and finally Nangle & Associates. In 1971, on Easter Sunday, Paul moved an historic building across town - to First and Christensen Drive in downtown Anchorage. That building, The Kerry Building, became one of his proudest accomplishments. From his office overlooking the Port of Anchorage, Paul advised clients on a wide range of legal matters, specializing in real estate and tax law. As a land developer, he established Shorecrest on the Bluff, Port Fidalgo, and Byers Creek.
Beyond his professional success, Paul was a pillar of the community. His faith and service were the cornerstones of his life. He was active in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Holy Cross Parish, the Blessed Sacrament Monastery, Knights of Columbus, Blood Bank of Alaska, Boy Scouts of America, Downtown Rotary, Downtown Community Council, and the Anchorage Opera Board.
A true people person, Paul thrived on conversation, laughter, and connection. In the early 1980s, Paul and Cheryl formed a beloved book club that met monthly in members' homes for more than 40 years of spirited discussion and friendship.
Paul and Cheryl were a formidable team who taught their children the importance of faith, humility, and hard work. His children were often in tow while Paul explored raw land, supported Winter Olympic bids and constructed St. E's annual haunted house. Together his family cheered at Joey's hockey games, watched Christy's KTVA news broadcasts, sold hats on Fourth Avenue and played pinochle at their treasured Denali cabin. The Nangle home overflowed with love and joy. Paul never missed a moment – Monopoly marathons and lunch with Cheryl – his devotion to family was unwavering.
A Funeral Mass for Paul Joseph Nangle will be celebrated on Oct. 25, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish (Facebook Livestream), with a reception to follow at the Petroleum Club of Anchorage.
Mass at Saint Louis Priory School and Paul and Cheryl's interment at Calvary Cemetery will follow in the coming months.
To honor Paul's memory, donations may be made to Holy Cross Parish or the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Anchorage.