Joseph Irving Obituary

Joseph Francis "Joe" Irving Jr.

Joseph Francis "Joe" Irving Jr., 56, of Tiffin, passed away Thursday evening, Nov. 30, 2023, at his home.

He was born Jan. 10, 1967, in Liberty Center, to Jospeh Francis and Kaye Louise (Beavers) Irving Sr. He married Karen McKinney on June 25, 1988, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, and she preceded him in death April 29, 2018. He then married Angela J. "Angie" Bixler on Dec. 3, 2022, and she preceded him in death Oct. 28, 2023.

Joe's survivors include his father, Joseph Francis Irving Sr.; son, Joseph Irving III of Tiffin; daughter, Hollie Irving of Tiffin; brothers, Steven Paul (Amy) Irving of Bascom and Mark Alan (Dawn) Irving of Tiffin; sister, Sheila Kaye (Gary Laderach) Irving of Chelsea, Michigan; and five grandchildren, Luke Irving, Waylon Irving, Lillian Fox, Emma Jo Irving, and Aubrey Irving.

He was also preceded in death by his mother, Kaye Louise Irving on Oct. 2, 2023.

Joe graduated in 1985 from Hopewell-Loudon High School and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Starting in junior high, he began working with his father, learning every aspect of building cranes. Over the years, he worked for Tiffin Loader Crane, Kalmbach Feeds, In Sight, Smith Trucking, and eventually retired as shop foreman from the family business, Irving Equipment. After he retired, he started every morning with a cup of black coffee and a cigarette. He enjoyed tent camping, campfires, hiking, canoeing on the river, traveling, visiting historical landmarks, collecting toy trains, and just being a free spirit. He was a leader and mentor to many over the years at area AA meetings.

He was self-proclaimed and proud to be the "black sheep" of the family. He would say "I just kind of march to the beat of my own drum." He knew the love of his lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and truly loved his children, grandchildren, parents, brothers, and sister. The black sheep may have wandered off or even gotten lost several times over the years, but he always came back to the flock.

If there is a CB radio in Heaven and you got your ears on good buddy, "we will catch you on the flipside, 10-4, we gone."

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Anthony Coci officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 30 minutes prior to Mass. Burial will be at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation for friends and family will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, (419) 447-2424.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Humane Society of Seneca County, or Tiffin-Seneca Public Library.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.