Joseph Frank Ryan

August 22, 1968 – August 29, 2025

Joseph Frank Ryan, known as "Joe" by his family, friends, and colleagues (or "Joey" by his mom, Ella) was welcomed into the Lord's arms on August 29, 2025. I can only assume that he was welcomed with a big smile and a strong "well done good and faithful servant" from our Lord.

Joe is survived by his best friend and adored wife Leslie McCoy Ryan, daughter Alexia (Dylan) Race, and sons Christian Ryan and Nicolas Ryan, his mother Ella (Richard) Hanks, his brothers Bill Ryan, Jim (Martha) Ryan, Cliff (Jen) Ryan, Jeff (Julie) Ryan and Jason (Mo) Ryan. He also leaves behind beloved in- laws Bob and Judi McCoy, Melissa (Jon) Howard, and Daron (Kimberly) McCoy as well as multiple amazing nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. He was preceded in death by his father John Ryan.

Joe always had the kind of presence that filled a room before he even spoke—and when he did speak, you always knew exactly where he was in any room because as his 2nd grade teacher always said, "Joey's voice carries further than all the other boys." He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a wonderful son, a supportive brother, the best boss to so many, and most importantly a strong disciple of Jesus Christ. He not only believed and followed the Lord, but he strongly modeled his life in the way Jesus wants us to. He lived by faith and had a strong relationship with the Lord that many of us can only dream of having one day. He has guided many people to the Lord's word, which is just a small part of his testimony.

Joe spent his early years of life living first in Chicago and then in Montana. After graduating in 1986 from C.M. Russell High School in Great Falls, Montana, he made the ambitious decision to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy, and graduated as a Coast Guard officer. Joe served 7 years as an active duty officer. During his time in the USCG, he executed two large drug busts as the Commanding Officer of a Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), was part of the team that was the point ship for the America's Cup in San Diego, and led support for the 210 foot cutter division at Coast Guard Headquarters.

The Coast Guard Academy was also where he met the love of his life, Leslie. Anyone who knew Joe knew that Leslie wasn't just his wife—she was the center of his world. He never called her simply "my wife"; she was always "my bride," a title filled with pride and devotion. Joe absolutely loved to spoil her, whether it was with extravagant bouquets of flowers for no reason at all, adventures around the globe, or his unforgettable home-cooked meals. And let's be honest—nobody could cook like Joe. In fact, eating out became nearly impossible after tasting his dishes—because once you had a meal made by Joe, no restaurant could ever compare. But it didn't stop there—Joe was just as legendary behind the bar. Whether he was mixing up a perfectly balanced old fashioned, a crisp and refreshing gin and tonic, or one of his famously indulgent "Death by Joe" mudslides, each drink was crafted with the same attention to detail and love that he brought to everything else in life.

Joe and Leslie were married on January 22, 1994, beginning what would become 31+ wonderful years of love, laughter, and memory-making. They built a life full of joy, adventure, and deep connection—a bond that grew stronger with time. They were blessed with three incredible children: Alexia, Christian, and Nicolas. And when Alexia married Dylan, he was claimed as their fourth child without hesitation. But above all, what truly shaped their home was their shared commitment to their faith. Joe and Leslie were deeply invested in learning the Lord's Word and living it out daily. They didn't just talk about God—they walked with Him, and made sure their children knew His truth and love through both teaching and example. Their lives are a reflection of grace, service, and unwavering trust in God's plan.

But Joe had another family that held a special place in his heart—his Reliable Electric family. To Joe, this company was never just a business, and its people were never just employees. When he purchased Reliable from Leslie's Uncle Randy in 1998, he wasn't just buying a company—he was stepping into a calling. Under his leadership, Reliable grew into one of Dayton's Best Places to Work, not just because of its success, but because of its culture—one built on trust, integrity, and genuine care. Those who had the opportunity to work with Joe will tell you he was so much more than a boss. He was a mentor. A father figure. A loyal friend. Someone you could lean on for guidance, support, or simply a listening ear—whether it was about a jobsite challenge or a personal struggle. This company meant more to Joe than words could   ever fully express, and he carried a deep love for every person who walked through its doors.

From a young age, Joe had a passion for fitness and competition—running cross country, swimming, and skiing with natural talent and determination. His time in the U.S. Coast Guard only sharpened that drive. As the years went on, Joe discovered a love for triathlons. He was an incredibly strong triathlete, consistently placing high in his age group thanks to his exceptional abilities in running, swimming, and biking. That same physical strength and disciplined mindset served him powerfully in his courageous battle with ALS. But if you know Joe, you also know that behind all that strength was a bit of a running joke: he was notoriously accident-prone. From bike crashes to ankle breaks, heart attacks to ACL tears, and even a crazy mosquito bite from Jamaica—Joe seemed to attract chaos like a magnet. We used to joke that someone should just wrap him in bubble wrap to keep him safe. And yet, no matter what came his way, Joe was always a fighter. He faced every challenge with grit, humor, and an unshakable will to push forward.

Joe's ALS diagnosis came as a shock to all of us. It was unexpected, uninvited, and certainly not the path we would have ever chosen for him. And yet, even in the midst of this difficult journey, we held onto the truth that God had a plan for Joe—a path only He could fully understand. While we grieve, we also find peace in knowing that Joe is now whole, healed, and with the Lord. ALS will never define who Joe was. What will always define him is the light he brought into every room, the laughter that followed him everywhere, and the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered as the loud and fun-loving soul who made life brighter. As the best home cook we've ever known. As the fierce triathlete and fitness enthusiast. As a man who lived for adventure, made unforgettable memories, and poured his heart into his family. Joe was an extraordinary husband, a devoted father, a loving son and brother, a trusted mentor, a faithful friend, and above all, a committed follower of Christ. We can only imagine the laughter he's already stirring up in Heaven. Though the ache of his absence is deep, we are forever changed by his life, his love, and his legacy. We will never forget him or the powerful example he set.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at South Brook Church, 9095 Washington Church Rd, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, at The Reverie space within the church. Visiting hours will begin at 3pm, with the service beginning at 4pm. A reception and gathering will follow the service at the church in The Reverie banquet hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Ryan Family Foundation at The Dayton Foundation, in honor of Joe. The Ryan Family Foundation supports underserved youth, veterans, solving the international water crisis and faith-based organizations. You can access the The Ryan Family Foundation through this link: https://bit.ly/TheRyanFamilyFoundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon.