Joseph Anthony Tannian was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on Nov. 27, 1940, and died peacefully in his sleep in St. Louis,  Missouri, on Sept. 5, 2026, at the age of 85 years.

Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Murray Tannian; daughters Bridget Tannian (Amanda Gorner) and Kate Tannian (Morgan Clark); five grandchildren; and sisters Eileen Lundy and Fran Tannian.

After graduation from the University of Notre Dame and service in the U.S. Navy, Joe worked as a reporter or copy editor for newspapers in the San Francisco Bay Area and Albany, New York; the St. Louis Globe-Democrat; and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In retirement, he enjoyed volunteering as a tutor and zoo docent, playing golf, following Notre Dame football, and meeting his friends at the gym.

Joe once said that the first line in the story of his life should be, “He was born happy.” His commitment to it was evident to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

No services are planned. The family welcomes memorial donations to the St. Louis Peregrine Society.