William Joyce

William D. Joyce, 84, of 600 S. Trimble Rd., Mansfield, died Wednesday, June 15, 2005, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to William I. And Amelia D. Joyce on July 9, 1920. Bill graduated from John Carroll University with Cum Laude honors in 1941. He served as student body union president and was elected to the National Jesuit Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu. Shortly after graduating, Mr. Joyce enlisted in the U.S. Army, landed at Normandy, and served in the European theatre for three years. He was a member of the Signal Corps, intercepting enemy messages that were directly reported to General Eisenhower. While serving in this capacity, he was awarded four Battle Stars, one of which he received for his action in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1943, Bill married his loving wife of 61 years, Lois Donohue Joyce. After briefly teaching English at John Carroll University, he embarked on his automotive career. Bill, and younger brother, Francis, founded Joyce Buick Inc., 116 Park Ave. West in 1956. In 1963, he built the current facility at 1400 Park Ave. West, which now includes Saturn of Mansfield and Joyce Buick Pontiac. General Motors recognized him repeatedly for his sales and service excellence. Bill was the first Ohio dealer to receive Buick Motor Division's highest award as a 'Best in Class' dealer, and the only Ohio dealer to receive it all 14 years it was awarded. Mr. Joyce was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Auto Dealers Association and was an active member of the National Auto Dealers Association for 35 years. Locally, he was president of the Mansfield Auto Dealers Association. Making his home in Mansfield for almost 50 years, Mr. Joyce was civic-minded as evidenced by his service on the Board of Directors of Bank One of Mansfield, Mansfield General Hospital, and Mansfield Memorial Homes. An avid golfer, Bill also served on the Westbrook Country Club Board of Trustees. A lifelong member of St. Peter's Church, Bill was a former third degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a founding charter member of the Serra Club. He was preceded in death by is brother, Francis, and sister, Rosemary Joyce Matejcik.

Mr. Joyce is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Lois; three sons and daughters-in-law, William F. and Margie of Mansfield, Brian M. and Nancy of Mansfield, and Robert and Lillian of Tampa, Florida; one daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Robin and Marilyn Joyce Beran of Columbus; twelve loving grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and one brother, John E. Joyce of University Heights, Ohio.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Sunday, June 19, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, at St. Peter's Catholic Church. The family asks that memorial contributions please be made to Catholic Charities.