Joseph Patrick Lyons

Joseph Patrick Lyons, 91, of Downingtown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Margaret Griffin Lyons, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2024.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Patrick Joseph Lyons and Frances Mary Dougherty Lyons.

Joe was a graduate of West Catholic High School and Villanova University and served in the U.S. Army from April 1956 to February 1958. Joe worked as an insurance underwriter for Allstate Insurance for 30+ years. Joe was a life-long Phillies, Eagles, and Villanova basketball fan and also enjoyed spending time in Fenwick Island with his family at the beach, boating and fishing.

Joseph is survived by his children Patrick Lyons (Sandra) of Downingtown, Kathleen Lyons of Downingtown, Sheila Rishell (Keith) of Wilmington, DE, and Colleen Thornton of Phoenixville; his grandchildren, Nina Bartlett (Justin), Megan Lyons, Colleen Lyons, Luke Lyons, Deanna Rishell (Edwin Figueroa), Haley Gerek (Ed), Steven Rishell, Eric Thornton (Sanyukta Gokhale), Erin Strickler (Hank), John Thornton (Emilie), Nick Lyons, Riley Lyons; and by his great grandchildren Nora and Emma Bartlett, Fiona Figueroa and Kailash Thornton. He was predeceased by his son, Kevin J. Lyons, and by his sister, Frances Teesdale Cleary.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335. Visitation will be from 9:45 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to the Autism Society of Greater Philadelphia, PO Box 60159, King of Prussia, PA 19406.