Obituary of Thomas F. Joyce

On January 19, 2024, Thomas Francis Joyce was called home to heaven at the age of 91. A man of faith, love, and laughter, he left this world peacefully with family by his side. He was born in the heart of Bayridge, Brooklyn during the Great Depression in 1932. His faith was nurtured in the loving arms of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) church, a devotion to Mary that would guide him throughout his life. His service to his country was as profound as his service to God. A proud veteran of the Korean War, he spent four years in the Air Force, including a year of security and post war reconstruction on the Korean peninsula. His commitment to peace and service was a testament to his character. Upon his return, he answered his divine call, joining the Redemptorist Order of priests and brothers at his childhood parish, OLPH, in 1954. For 13 years, he served his community as a Brother with his deep spirit and dedication. Though he left the Redemptorist Order in 1967, his faith only strengthened with age. In 1969, he fell in love with a young and beautiful emigrant from Ireland, Bridget Martin. They married, and together, raised four children in Valley Stream, Long Island, all of whom attended Catholic primary school, high schools and colleges. For 30 years, he worked as a telephone repairman, commuting in and out of Brooklyn, and to JFK airport in his later years. Through these active years of raising a family, he continued to prioritize his faith, singing in the St. Joseph's parish choir, attending prayer groups and masses throughout the diocese. He enjoyed more than 20 years of retirement in Florida and Rochester, NY, dedicated to his spirituality and frequent visits with his four children and beloved 12 grandchildren. His distinguished laughter and love were heard and felt by all right up to his final days. He is reunited with his wife Bridget, who predeceased him in May 2009, as well as his parents, Martin Joyce and Mary Lennon Joyce, and his siblings, Mary, Marty and Jack. His legacy lives on in his children, Thomas, Sheila, James, and Brian, their spouses Jennifer, Eric, Erin and Lindsay, and his beautiful grandchildren: Michael, Colin, Conor, Peter, Ciaran, Eamon, James, Kevin, Brendan, Lily, Reid and Taylor. We will miss him dearly, but we find solace in knowing that he is at peace, reunited with his wife and family, and watching over us with love. Until we meet again, dear father and grandfather, may you rest in heavenly peace.