Joseph K. Joyce

Joseph Kevin Joyce, the first child of Joseph Leo Joyce and Mary Frances Joyce of Chicago, Illinois, was born as World War II drew to a close. Known affectionately as “Joey,” he was celebrated as the first male child born into the family in decades and was proudly escorted by his great-uncle Phil to a succession of professional photographers. Three brothers soon followed—Thomas, Stephen, and James—filling the Joyce household with the lively energy of four boys in less than a decade.

An artistic and adventurous spirit, Joe attended St. Ignatius Elementary School, St. George High School, and the University of Chicago. He answered the call to serve his country in Vietnam and was honorably discharged. After his military service, he joined Trans World Airlines, a position that allowed him to travel extensively and to share a memorable father-son trip to Ireland. Drawn to the energy of a growing cargo freight company, he began a long career with Federal Express. Over the years he lived in Tucson, Arizona; Metairie, Louisiana; Coral Gables, Florida; and other locations as the company expanded. In 1992 he transferred to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport as Director of International Flight Operations. There he met and married Donna, who would share the remainder of his life. The couple honeymooned in Bali, one of the few places neither had yet visited.

Joe retired from FedEx in 2000. He and Donna traded air travel for road trips to Florida, accompanied by Joe’s cats and Donna’s Borzoi dogs. They purchased a blufftop winter home and, after two years, made the area their permanent residence in a larger home. Joe passed away peacefully at home under Donna’s loving care.

He was predeceased by his brother Stephen, eight cats, and ten Borzoi. He is survived by his wife Donna, and his brothers Thomas (Janet) and James (Jeanette).