Joyce Tommaso

Beloved and devoted mom, grandma and great grandma, Joyce Anne Tommaso passed away at her home in Willow Spring, North Carolina on March 6, 2022. Joyce is survived by her son Ralph Tommaso, daughter-in-law Christina Tommaso, daughter Angela Hellman, and son-in-law Carl Hellman. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joseph Riccobene, Ava Tommaso, Arianna Tommaso, Michael “Mikey” Riccobene, Stefano Riccobene, Faith Riccobene, Carolyn Hellman, Bryan Hellman, Austin Hellman, his wife Ashlee Hellman and a great granddaughter Daphne Hellman.

Joyce was born on April 18, 1940 in New York City. She grew up in Manhattan and later moved to Staten Island where she raised her two children. She was the co-owner of an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. Afterwards, she worked as an executive receptionist for Lehman Brothers until she retired in 2003.

When her daughter Angela was expecting triplets in 2003, Joyce happily relocated to North Carolina where she was a constant source of help and was always cheering on her growing family.

Joyce, “Gram'' as she was affectionately called, was an independent, strong and intelligent woman who was full of joy and encouragement to anyone she met. She was an avid reader, tv/theater buff, and animal lover. She was a great conversationalist who loved to discuss current events, history and nature.

Joyce's life was a testimony of defying the odds. Though her heart was damaged in early childhood from rheumatic fever, her life and heart were full of love and joy for God and her family.

The family will have a Celebration of Life Service at Salem Baptist Church in Apex, NC at 1:00pm on Thursday March 10, 2022. There will also be a visitation prior to the service at 12:00pm and a reception following the service. The family also invites you to a graveside service at Wake Memorial Park in Apex at 3:30pm.