Charles C. Joyce
Charles C. Joyce, whose deep faith, good humor, unfailing patience, and unwavering kindness endeared him to all he encountered in nearly 65 years as a deeply loving son, father, brother, godfather, uncle, co-worker, and friend, died Friday, May 14, 2021, at Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence.
He was the husband of Maureen Fitzpatrick-Joyce and a resident of Seekonk, Mass.
He had been receiving treatment for sarcoma since November but continued to work throughout his recuperation from surgery and chemotherapy. Guided by his faith, he faced every challenge during the past six months and throughout his life with customary courage and grace.
He was born June 12, 1956, in Providence, a son of the late David Joyce, Sr. and Mary (Costello) Joyce. Following his graduation from Our Lady of Providence High School, he attended the
University of Rhode Island, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1978. After a stint at the Dedham Daily Transcript, he worked for 20 years in the newsroom of The Woonsocket Call, fulfilling roles as sportswriter and editor, news writer and editor, and Sunday editor. In 1999 he began his second career with Providence College. At the time of his death he was director of editorial services in the college’s Division of Marketing and Communications, serving as editor of the college’s news website and its award-winning alumni magazine. But he also willingly stepped in when needed as writer, photographer, and podcast host, and his mastery of grammar and meticulous attention to detail made him a sought-after proofreader for all departments.
In 2012, he was honored with the college’s Torchbearer Award, given to an employee who most clearly espouses PC’s mission and makes an extraordinary contribution to the effectiveness of the college.
All who knew Charlie looked to him as a role model — an example of how to be the best father, supervisor, co-worker, and friend. He spent every day in the compassionate service of others, even while undergoing chemotherapy. Generous with his time, he devoted hours not just to volunteering, but to truly caring for others at Doorways Food Pantry, town clean-ups in Seekonk, Knights of Columbus events, and PC community service projects.
A man of deep faith, he served as a Eucharistic minister at his parish, St. Teresa in Pawtucket, and was known to attend daily Mass on the birthdays of his loved ones to pray for them.
He was an avid sports fan, an all-star coach for his children’s (short-lived) careers in basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer, and a Dance Dad for 15 years. A season-ticket holder for PC men’s hockey and men’s basketball, he always cheered for the Friars unless they were playing URI. He especially loved the Boston Red Sox and spent his final moments with his family watching them play on TV. (They won 10 minutes after he passed away.)
He was the king of holiday ties, a dessert addict who enjoyed ice cream shops across southern New England, and a good sport who always pitched in for a cause, even if it meant mashing avocados for a guacamole cook-off at work. He was a loyal customer of the Providence area’s Irish pubs, including McBride’s, Sullivan’s, and Lucky’s. Though he enjoyed a beer, he always was the designated driver and the most responsible person in the room. His dancing and singing skills were not the best, but he danced and sang anyway.
He was proud of his Irish roots and enjoyed many trips to Ireland throughout his lifetime. He also loved North Conway, N.H., which he visited nearly every summer since he was born.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Caroline B. Joyce, and her fiancé, Thomas Muldoon; his son, Neil C. Joyce; and his dog, Sunny. He was the brother of David Joyce, Jr., Michael Joyce, Paul Joyce and his wife, Ann McCarthy-Joyce, Kevin Joyce, Anne Whitman, and Mary (Coco) Marcello and her husband, Bob Marcello. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
His family would like to thank Dr. Edwin Choy and the Sarcoma team at Massachusetts General Hospital, the staff at Rhode Island Hospital and HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, Fr. David Thurber, Fr. Kevin D. Robb, Fr. James Quigley and the Providence College community.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 20, at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith St, Providence, RI, 02908 from 3-7 p.m.
The funeral will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Church, 354 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, on Friday, May 21 AT 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount St. Mary Cemetery, 661 Prospect St., Pawtucket.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of Charles Joyce to Emergency Student Support, Office of Annual Giving, Harkins Hall 412, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918-0001, or online at givetopc.org, or to the Massachusetts GeneralHospital Sarcoma Research Fund ( https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/sarcomaresearch/ ).
Social distancing guidelines and mask wearing are preferred for health and safety
