Matthew Kelly Joyce

Born on October 6, 1940, in Pittsfield, MA, Matt lived a life full of meaning and purpose. After proudly serving in the U.S. Army, he returned home to pursue his passion for literature at North Adams State College and Boston College. He spent his career as a beloved high school English teacher for over 35 years, shaping the minds and hearts of countless students in the Wilmington Public Schools. His enthusiasm for classical literature and poetry, particularly the works of Robert Frost, was infectious, and he had a remarkable ability to inspire others to appreciate the power of words and stories.

In addition to his teaching career, Matt had a variety of hobbies and interests. He was an avid photographer who found joy in capturing the wonders of nature & hiking. Over the years, he cared deeply for many beloved dogs, especially his golden retrievers Holly and Wiggins. A man of many projects, Matt was often restoring boats, toying with woodworking and crafting sentimental projects for family and friends.

Above all, Matt was a man of words and meaning. He touched the lives of many, leaving behind a trail of wisdom and cherished memories. His family, friends, students, colleagues and fellow poets will remember him not only for his contributions to education and his devotion to the things he loved but for his warm heart and quick wit.

Matt is survived by his loving companion Nina Kaars of Brewster, MA; his brother John E. Joyce III of Tewksbury, MA; his son Matthew K. Joyce Jr., with wife Rebecca and their 3 children William, Michael and Gloria of Somerville, MA and Durham, NH; his daughter Jennifer A. Buron, with husband Greg and their 2 children Maximilian and Alexandra of Renton, WA. In addition, Matt was fortunate to have the love of many teaching colleagues, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, poetry friends and former wife, Joanne O’Donnell. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Michael K. Joyce, mother Eleanor Hynes Joyce and father John E. Joyce Jr. all of Pittsfield, MA.

A memorial will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653. Inurnment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne, MA 02532 will follow on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Lung Association or Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue.

Rest in peace, Matt. You have left the world a better place, one lesson, photo, project and poem at a time