Joseph Edward Dryer

Obituary For Joseph Edward Dryer

Joseph Edward Dryer was born December 28,1962, to Joseph Dryer and Gwendolyn Atkins Dryer in Sharon PA. Joe had a beautiful upbringing surrounded by love and support. He often fondly spoke of going fishing with his dad and cousins growing up.

At age 13 Joseph’s mother was called home to reunite with our Lord and Savior and in the wake of tragedy, Joe lost one mother but gained an army of mothers in his Aunts Gloria, Thelma, Audrey, Virginia, Ruby, and Bernadine. His family would be the village to usher Joe into adulthood.

Joe graduated from Sharon High School in 1981. He was exceptional in mathematics and sports, particularly basketball and baseball. Joe spent three years at Youngstown University pursuing a degree in topics related to social work and criminal justice. His affinity for wanting to service his community showed in his academic pursuits.

Joe entered the workforce in his early 20s and would play pickup basketball games at the park in his spare time, where he would gain a reputation on the court due to his height and his agility.

A few years later Joe would meet his sweetheart Earlean Crosby. Through his courtship of Earlean, Joe reaffirmed his faith and grew closer to God. The two wed on July 3,1993 and almost a year later would welcome their only child Tyson (Gwendolyn) Dryer on May 29,1994.

With the responsibility of a new family, Joe would start his 20 plus year career at the Alliance for Behavioral & Developmental Disabilities. He was a support care staff for people with disabilities. He cared for his clients like family, even inviting them to dinner.

Joe or “Big Joe” as family affectionately called him, was a pillar in his family and community. Big Joe was known in his community as a “giver”. He would selflessly give food to his neighbors and transportation when able. Joe was never too busy to help someone in need or to share a kind word. He would often give spiritual guidance and support to his family and friends. Often, he would call his loved ones to provide counsel and uplift them by sharing a laugh. Once Joe started to his signature “snort of laughter” it was impossible not to smile with him

Joseph was also an instrument of God in the church. For over a decade, he ran the sound booth for Triumph Christian Center and Word Center Fellowship, while his wife Earlean would often sing and his child would assist with sound booth duties.

Everyone who knew Joe understood that he was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. He loved to watch wrestling, football and of course basketball, often coordinating with his Aunt Gloria to make sure she could watch the game. He enjoyed playing video games, especially Call of Duty, schooling streamers half his age and younger. As he got older his health started to take a toll, but Joe never stopped smiling and doing what he did best, spreading joy. In the weeks before his passing Joe was still telling his dad jokes, watching his sports, and leading the family in prayer.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Earlean Crosby-Dryer of Sharon Pennsylvania, his child Tyson Gwendolyn Dryer of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, his daughter in law Mia Davis-Dryer of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, His aunts Audrey Garrett and Gloria Atkins Askew of Youngstown Pennsylvania. Joe is survived by his many cousins, extended family, spiritual family, and friends that cherished him. His kindness, compassion, and love will be shared by all who knew him.

Joseph departed this life on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. He was preceded in death by his mother Gwendolyn Atkins Dryer, his father Joseph Dryer, his aunts Gertrude Atkins, Virginia Trice, Ruby Agee, Bernadine Barton, Thelma Bankston, and his uncles Kenneth Atkins, Vernon Atkins.

Big Joe’s journey was one of compassion, serving others with grace and understanding. Though he sought no accolades, his impact was immeasurable- his gentle guidance and willingness to listen made a difference in the lives of many. Joseph, a beacon of kindness, will forever resonate in our hearts, reminding us to embrace each moment, nurture our connections, and above all, live with love.

As we gather to honor his memory, we invite friends and family to join us for a memorial service at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown, OH on Saturday May 16, 2026, at noon. Together, we will celebrate a life well-lived, sharing stories that illuminate his character, his laughter, and the joy he brought to those around him. The services will be officiated by Reverend Diane Thomas and Dr. Sherese Newell will deliver the eulogy.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Joseph Edward Dryer elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1059 Hamilton Ave, Farrell, PA 724.983.1523

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