Donald P. Joyce 1925 - 2014
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Aircraft carrier Antietam and destroyer Shelton being refueled by Tolovana in 1951/52. The carrier Essex is visible in the background. Courtesy: Wikipedia
SCHROON LAKE — Donald P. Joyce, 88, passed away peacefully Jan. 3, 2014, at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh.
He was born Nov. 4, 1925, the son of the late Arthur Joyce and Louise Rapp Joyce.
Don lived in Albany until his retirement in 1993, at which time he relocated to his summer home in Schroon Lake.
He graduated from Vincentian High School in 1943 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Siena College in 1950 and a Master of Science in Education from Siena College in 1964.
Don was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, having served two years as a radar operator on the USS Tolovana fleet oiler.
He dedicated his career to the education of youth as a teacher and administrator at Troy High School for more than 33 years.
He loved boating, water skiing and spending time remodeling his Schroon Lake waterfront home.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Joanne M. Joyce, and his brother, Allyn Joyce.
He is survived by his daughters, Joann Joyce of Schroon Lake, Linda Joyce (Dan Hughes) of Albany and Judy Joyce of Florida; his grandchildren, Dana Cechnicki (husband, Leo) of Florida and Jerry Smith of Alaska; a great-grandchild, Theo; and his sisters, Mary Testa (husband, Fred) of Rochester and Sister Martha Joyce of Albany.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dee, Karen, Raeanne, Donna and Walter, whose care allowed him to maintain a quality of life over the past several years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany.
At Don’s request, there will be no viewing.
The family suggests memorials take the form of donations to Schroon Lake Rescue Squad or Fire Department, Schroon Lake, NY 12870.
Arrangements are under the care of Amsterdam Funeral Chapel, 13 Belmont Place, Amsterdam, N.Y.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Tolovana_%28AO-64%29
