Joyce Agnes Uzcategui

In loving memory of Leopoldo A., 68, and Joyce A. Uzcategui, 73, who both passed away Saturday April 01, 2017 in a tragic accident on the beach where they resided since retiring to Ecuador in 2013.

If you are reading this, you are surely a friend and have likely had your life touched by them in some way. But if you didn’t know…

Leo was born on January 22, 1949 in Venezuela, he earned a Bachelor's Degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and held a degree in Sports Psychology from Florida International University.

Leo came to the United States in 1983 after a distinguished coaching career in both Brazil and Venezuela that saw him head the men's Venezuelan University National Team from 1978 to 1982.

Leo had a successful tenure as the head coach at Florida Atlantic University from 1990-1993. He had served as an assistant coach for one year at FAU prior to becoming the head coach. He moved to New Britain in August of 1995 and served as CCSU's volleyball coach from 1995 to 1999.

Following his career with CCSU, he served as the head volleyball coach at the University of Bridgeport from 2009-13, experiencing tremendous success with the Purple Knights, each year advancing the team to the NCAA Division II Championship Tournament.

Joyce was born on September 29, 1943 and shared the love of education as well. She graduated from FSU with a degree in teaching and pursued that for the majority of her life.

In the early 70’s she, and her then husband, Dick McKenna, joined the JVC (Peace Corps) and spent a year with their family on the island of Ponape. While there, Joyce taught at the local school.

Upon returning to the United States, Joyce and Dick divorced and she remained single for 10 years before meeting the true love of her life, her soul mate, Leo.

Joyce taught at Brentwood Elementary in Miami Gardens for a number of years before relocating to Connecticut with Leo where she continued teaching at the Elementary level and continued to touch the life of each child in her care. She always went above and beyond to make her students feel special and always found the most creative ways to do so.

Joyce and Leo are survived by their 4 children, Leopoldo Jr, Leonardo, Sean, and Beth , 11 grandchildren and their first great-grandson as well as Joyce’s sister Mary Bolton and brother Dick Burns.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017.

Kraeer Funeral Home 1199 East Sample Road Pompano Beach, FL 33064 (954) 946-2900

A reception and celebration of Joyce & Leo’s life together will follow.

1730 NW 48th Ct. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Please join us for drinks and tapas and to share your favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Judes.

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Pompano Beach, FL.