James Ludwig Joyce

James L. Joyce, 91, of East Hartford, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2017. He was born in Rockville a son of the late James and Minnie (Fritzsche) Joyce. He faithfully served his country during World War II in the United States Navy serving on the LST 651. He was a Truck Driver for the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) for 34 years. Upon his retirement from the MDC he founded the LST651 Alumni Organization and served as president for many years. He was avid New York Yankees baseball and UCONN women’s basketball fan. He enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife of 69 years June (Armstrong) Joyce, who predeceased him in December of 2016. He is survived by his loving daughter Vickie Zebedeo and her husband Michael and his loving son Douglas and his wife Nancy, all of East Hartford, his five grandchildren, Christopher and Timothy Joyce, Nathan, Katherine and Rebecca Zebedeo, and four great-grandchildren Ethan Nicholson, Rylee, CJ and Michelle Joyce. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Gina LaChappelle, “grand-daughter-in-law” who provided compassion care for James along with Nancy LaChappelle, Cici and Stella.

A Life Well Celebrated service for both James and his beloved wife June, will be Friday May 5, 2017 at the 10AM at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery, Vernon. A time of visitation will precede the service from 9-10AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd. #4b, Southington, CT 06489. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com