Joseph Anthony Ryan

Joseph A. Ryan, 90, former postmaster of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Mirabella skilled nursing facility in Portland, OR. He leaves behind his daughters Kimberly Buchanan, Holly Ryan and Melissa Ryan and son Joe Ryan Jr. as well as three grandchildren Tony, Corey and Lauren. Pamelia Ryan, his wife of 63 years, passed away in 2016. Joe was known for his steadfast commitment to his family, sparkling sense of humor, interest in politics and loyalty to the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and the University of Las Vegas Runnin' Rebels men’s basketball team. Born and raised in St. Paul, MN, Joe was the son of James and Anna Ryan and the brother of James and Patrick Ryan. Joe graduated from Monroe High School and attended St. Thomas College and University of Minnesota. He served in the United States Coast Guard during the last months of World War II. Joe began his career working as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines, where he met Pamelia – who was also an attendant for the airline. Joe and Pam married in 1953 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Cleveland, OH. Joe rose up the Northwest Airlines ranks during which they moved across the country to Seattle, WA, Dallas, TX, Cleveland, OH and Minneapolis, MN. Joe and Pam had a life-long love for travel that included a trip around the world to destinations such as Italy, India, Pakistan and Hong Kong in 1963. In 1968, Joe accepted an offer from the United States Postal Service as an Air Transportation Officer and was promoted to the position of General Manager of Customer Programs in San Bruno, CA in 1974. Nine years later, in 1983, he accepted the distinguished position of Postmaster of Las Vegas and was named Postmaster of the Year in 1988. Las Vegas provided not only a fantastic career opportunity for Joe, but also a place where he made many long lasting friendships. In 2008, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced a bill to name a Las Vegas post office after Joe. After his retirement in 1992, the Ryans traveled more frequently and went on over 20 cruises around the globe. They remained active in their retirement, but decided to relocate to Portland, OR in 2011 to be closer to their daughters and so Pamelia could receive better medical care. Funeral services are pending at the family site in Perry, OH, where Joe will be buried with his life’s love, Pamelia. He will be dearly missed.