Joseph Anthony Tannian
November 27, 1940 – September 5, 2026
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.
Joe was my roommate at Notre Dame for three years (Sophomore thru Senior years.). We had a great time and hardly had any disagreements, and that’s quite an achievement for anyone living with me! Turning our differences into humor was our most common trick toward getting back to civility. I also grew up in southern Ohio: perhaps that was the underlying reason (trick) for being able to live together without ruffling each others’ feathers very much! Throughout those three years, Joe constantly talked about Trish, the LOVE of his life, and his wife of 57 years! May Trish be comforted with that thought in these days of intense sadness, and comforted in knowing that she was the only person that I knew about whom he loved unconditionally!!!!
It seems my age-affected memory has misled me! I heard from Joe about you, NOT DURING OUR NOTRE DAME DAYS, but while Joe was still a young reporter in his late 20s, and I was a young guy working in the Notre Dame admissions office. So, dismiss my earlier memory as incorrect timing and an aged memory. SORRY, TRISH!!!! My rendition of hearing about you occurred while I was courting my own true love, Jackie Dunn. But regardless, you were and remain “THE LOVE OF JOE’S LIFE!” Getting memories confused seems to be becoming more and more my reality these days! I truly apologize for the error!
Trish –
Bill and I were truly saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Please know that we’re thinking of you and sending our love.
I don’t pretend to know what you are going through and what you have endured, but wanted you to realize that you are
in our prayers.
We were fortunate to meet both you and Joe at Kate and Morgan’s wedding and get to know some of Kate’s wonderful family.
As for Joe, we thoroughly enjoyed his warm personality and fabulous dancing skills! It felt like we had always known him…
He was a gracious and kind man and clearly, he is gone far too soon!
Please remember to take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Best,
Linda and Bill Clark