Joseph Lawrence Tyree of Bridgehampton died July 27. He was 86.
Born in Brooklyn on March 5, 1929, to Lillian Shields Tyree and Lawrence Tyree, he was raised in Valley Stream along with three brothers and three sisters.
After graduation in 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the SS Yosemite out of Newport, Rhode Island, and was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was honorably discharged in 1950 and he returned to New York to begin a lifelong career with family in the pump and tank industry. His strong work ethic and dedication in the field were a driving force behind Larry E. Tyree Co.’s growth and success, and enabled him to provide for his large family.
On May 12, 1951, Mr. Tyree married Kate Margaret Kristiansen, who survives him; they celebrated their 64th anniversary in May.
Mr. Tyree enjoyed a long retirement in Bridgehampton. His time was divided between family, the community, and leisure. He was president of the Bridgehampton Community House for many years, and was an avid golfer and hunter, but his true passion was fishing. Any time of the day or night, he could be found down at the beach with a pole on the back of his truck.
Survivors described him as “a giant of a man, not in stature, but in character.” They said he was quick to praise “any and all deserving with a well-timed ‘Atta boy,’ or ‘Way to go, pal.’”
In addition to his wife, he is survived by eight of his nine children, Michael Joseph Tyree, Kathleen Lydia Sharman and husband Richard, James Arthur Tyree, Robert Frederick Tyree and wife Maria, Kristine Lillian Hernandez and husband Stephen, Joseph William Tyree, Lillian Marie Shields Tyree-Johnson and husband Carl, and Erik James Tyree. His son Karl Thomas Tyree died in infancy. He is also survived by grandchildren, Travis, Alyssa, Karl, Kimberly, James Clay, Cody, Casey, Jayson, Lauryn, Stephen, Katelyn and Kristian; and a great-grandchild, Lily. Another grandchild, Courtney, died in infancy.
Mr. Tyree was predeceased by his brothers, William, James and Robert; and a sister, Mildred. He is survived by two sisters, Anne and Patricia.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Aug 3, 2015