Joseph Francis Irving, Jr., 56, of Tiffin, passed away on Thursday evening, November 30, 2023, at his home.

He was born on January 10, 1967, in Liberty Center, Ohio to Joseph Francis and Kaye Louise (Beavers) Irving, Sr.  On June 25, 1988, in St. Wendelin Catholic Church, he married Karen McKinney, and she preceded him in death on April 29, 2018.  On December 03, 2022, he married Angela J. "Angie" Bixler, and she preceded him in death on October 28, 2023.

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, MI; 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 October 02, 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."

His Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 07, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Anthony Coci officiating.  A Rosary will be prayed 30 minutes prior to Mass.  Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family from 4-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 06, 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 to the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library

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