Obituary: Lt. Thomas R. Joyce (EGPD, Ret.), 82

by | Nov 30, 2022

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Lieutenant Thomas Robert Joyce, EGPD (Ret.), 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 28.

Tom was the son of Robert and Dorothy (Cooley) Joyce of Pittsburgh, Penn. Joining the United States Marine Corps after high school, he trained for the Military Police Corps. After being stationed at Quonset Point in Rhode Island, he met his soul mate and future wife, (the late) Janet Alma Joyce (formerly Johnson) of East Greenwich and made her town his permanent home.

Growing up in the Manchester neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Tom never lost his affinity for his own hometown, a love he shared with friends and on many family visits over the years. Nor did he lose his love of football. He remained an avid Steelers fan all his life, seeing his team play on Forbes Field, Three Rivers Stadium and Heinz Field. He played football at Oliver High School, for the Navy while at Quonset Point, and for the East Greenwich Townies (https://eastgreenwichnews.com/return-to-glory-the-eg-townies-part-1/).

Tom’s family and friends were the center of his life, and he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He is survived by his three daughters and son-in-law: Pam Joyce, Joanne McEvoy and Jennifer and Matthew Wallace, and two grandchildren: Emerson and Amanda. He is also survived by his two brothers and their wives, John and Paulette Joyce of South Carolina, and Robert “Bob” and Jacqueline “Jackie” Joyce of Pittsburgh. He found joy in following the lives of his nieces, nephews and family members in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

After the USMC and the National Guard, Tom became a proud member of the East Greenwich Police Department, where he served the Town of East Greenwich with distinction for 48 years, retiring in 2010. Tom may be best remembered as the Town’s longtime juvenile officer where he worked tirelessly to create programs and an atmosphere of support for the town’s youth.

Tom and Janet generously invested their time and love in community, volunteering with many programs, including Safety Town, The East Greenwich Ecumenical Food Cupboard, The East Greenwich Academy Foundation, Teen Center, and the ReJOYce Thrift Shop at The First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 5, at 10:00 a.m. at The First Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Greenwich. Burial will be in the Lutheran Church Cemetery, also in EG. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 4, from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. at the Hill Funeral Home in East Greenwich. To honor their commitment to community, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The East Greenwich Academy Foundation.

You may leave an online condolence with the Hill Funeral Home HERE.

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Donna RICE
Donna RICE
December 2, 2022 7:41 am

Joyce Family;
My deepest sympathy to you all. My husband, Cliff Rice,was in the wedding party. Truly a good friend. May your memories help to get through this difficult time.

Bruce
Bruce
December 2, 2022 8:56 am

Condolences to Tom’s family. Though from Pittsburgh,PA he grabbed on to East Greenwich as his adopted home and established himself in many areas, police officer, semi-pro football player, advocator for the Town’s Youth and Starsky to Houghtaling’s Hutch. He will be missed.

Joan M Chadwell
Joan M Chadwell
December 3, 2022 12:17 pm

RIP Tom. Condolences to the family.

Heather Ryan
Heather Ryan
December 4, 2022 4:39 am

Tom, you were an inspiration to everyone, including me, as u & Janet both saw me grow, as a child, a 1991 EGHS graduate & as an adult in my early yrs in adulthood. May the angels fly over you & Janet throughout eternity & beyond

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