Edmund F. Joyce
...Chemical Engineer at Raffi & Swanson; 80
TEWKSBURY - After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Edmund Francis Joyce died peacefully in his home of 53 years surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen V. (Connors) Joyce, with whom he had celebrated a 55th wedding anniversary this past June.
Born in Somerville on August 14, 1928 he was the son of the late Edmund F. and Catherine (Flaherty) Joyce. Ed was raised in Somerville where he attended Little Flower Elementary and later graduated from St. Clement’s High School in 1946. He went on to attend Northeastern University where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1951. In 1949, while still in college, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Subsequently he was called to active duty and was honorably discharged in 1952. Ed worked as a Research Group Leader specializing in surface coatings at Raffi & Swanson Inc, in Wilmington for over 40 years. Since 1956 he resided on Oakland Avenue in Tewksbury. He was a member of St. Dorothy's Church in Wilmington where he served as an Usher, a CCD teacher, and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a volunteer with Catholic Charities, The Pines of South Tewksbury, and a supporter of Mass. Right to Life. He was an avid gardener, master bridge player, and upon retirement, became an accomplished painter. Ed looked forward to the annual Hampton Beach vacation where he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of his Irish ancestry and with his wife enjoyed visiting his cousins in Ireland.
Besides his wife, he is survived by four sons and their wives, William J.. and Barbara (Young) Joyce of Milo, Maine, Edmund F. Jr. and Barbara Jo (Faria) Joyce of Tyngsboro, James P. and Cheryle (Caplan) Joyce of Andover, Robert E. and Tamre (Castellani) Joyce of Stroudsburg, PA; ten grandchildren, Catherine Joyce of Portland, ME, Terrence Joyce and his wife Stephanie of Knoxville,TN, Melissa, Angela, and Lindsey Joyce of Tyngsboro, Allison and Olivia Joyce of Andover, Daniel and his wife Kelly Joyce of Newburyport, Elizabeth and Veronica Joyce of Stroudsburg, PA.
He was pre-deceased by his brother, the Rev. William J. Joyce, C.S.Sp.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Mar. 18, in St. Dorothy's Church, Wilmington. Burial followed at Tewksbury Cemetery. Donations to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 will be appreciated.