Obituary of Raymond M.H. Joyce

Raymond M. H. Joyce, 81 of New Britain died at The Hospital of Central CT in New Britain. He was born March 11, 1928 in Holyoke, MA, son of the late Raymond and Katherine (Courtney) Joyce. He grew up in Simsbury, before moving to New Britain in 1958. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth "Betty" (Keating) Joyce in 2004. He graduated in 1951 from The College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, MA. Raymond taught at Moody School of Commerce in New Britain, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Daly Council #12, and was a very active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Britain where he served many years on the Parish Council. He was a member of the American Legion and served on the Democratic Town Committee in the 70's when he was inspired to run for State Representative. Raymond won the 25th District State Rep. in 1978 and stayed in office until 1994 after eight terms. He owned and operated the Raymond M. H. Joyce Insurance Agency. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corp during the Korean War. Raymond is survived by his 5 sons, Michael Joyce of Dayville, David R. and his wife Louise Joyce of Hilliard, OH; Brendan T. Joyce of New Britain, Patrick J. and his wife Kathleen Joyce of Guilford and Timothy and his wife Karen Joyce of Huntington Beach, CA. and a sister, Mrs. Judith Fox of Maryland. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Mrs. Katherine Hunter, Albany, NY. Funeral services will be held Monday 8:30 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-7 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley St. New Britain, CT 06053.