Joseph R. 'Tiger Joe' Ryan

SANDUSKY — Joseph R. "Tiger Joe" Ryan, 86, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully early Thursday afternoon, March 8, 2018, surrounded by his family at the Ohio Veterans Home, in Sandusky.Born on July 7, 1931, in Sandusky, the son of Kerwick Joseph and Eleanor Marie (Conley) Ryan, he graduated from Sandusky High School in 1949. After graduation, Joe had worked at the Philco Company for awhile until he joined the military. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served honorably during the Korean Conflict, from 1950 - 1954, having been stationed aboard the Air Craft Carrier USS Leyte. After returning home, he had worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier for 30 years, before retiring. After retirement, for a side job, he had worked security at the Sandusky Yacht Club and also at the Cedar Point Amusement Park.Joe, over the years, enjoyed refinishing and collecting antiques. In his earlier days, he had bowled for many years in the Sandusky Bowling Leagues for the Post Office and had also played baseball and softball. Joe had always played left field and had at one time played for the Carling Black Label hardball baseball team. In his later years, after his playing days were done, he had coached the Post Office baseball team for a few years. He loved all types of sports, but he will truly be remembered by his family as always being a die hard Detroit Tigers and a Lions fan and a big fan of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the American Legion Post # 83 and a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.Joe is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sally L. (Campbell) Ryan, whom he married Oct. 13, 1956; a daughter, Connie (George) Nelson of Sandusky; a son, John (Linda Forrider) Ryan of Sandusky; seven grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; two sisters, Patricia Camella and Kathleen Roth, both of Sandusky; a brother, Michael (Judy) Ryan of Huron; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Terrence "Terry" Ryan.Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 12, at the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Prayers will be recited 9:40 a.m. Tuesday morning, March 13, at the funeral home followed by 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. The Rev. Joe Steinbauer officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post # 83 Color Guard.The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870 or to the Ohio Veterans Home Activity Fund, 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870.Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Joe's family at davidfkoch.com.