Obituary of Francis A. Joyce

Francis A. Joyce, 87, of New Britain, died Wednesday at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. He was the husband of the late Marie (O'Brien) Joyce, who died Mar. 18, 2002. Born in New Britain and a life long resident, he was employed at the New Britain Post Office for many years before retiring in 1972. At that time, he became president and CEO of the Connecticut Postal Federal Credit Union, which he had been associated with since 1940. The Order of Elks was a very important part of Fran's life. He was initiated into the Order of Elks on Dec. 4, 1952 at the New Britain Lodge #957. He was immediately involved with the committees of the lodge and not long after became an officer, serving as exalted ruler in 1960 to 1961 and again in 1962 to 1963. Fran spent many years in other positions of the lodge that included 5 years as treasurer and well over a decade as secretary. His total of 35 years of service as an officer of the lodge will never be matched. He was honored for his dedication and service to the lodge, the State Association, and the Grand Lodge by the lodge membership and elected as an Honorary Life member in 1981. Fran became involved with the State Association on several committees. He served as an officer for many years and was elected and served as the Connecticut Elks State Association President from 1976 to 1977. He currently continues to hold the position as chairman of the State Advisory Board and the Committee on Laws. Recognized for his contributions by the Grand Lodge he was appointed District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler to oversee the lodges of the Northwest District. His service to the Grand Lodge continued with the appointment to the G/L Youth Activities Committee from 1983 to 1987 and then as chairman from 1987 to 1989. Fran was appointed to high position of Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1989 to oversee the operation of lodges in the State of Connecticut. He served in that capacity until retiring in July 2005 much to the regret of the leaders of our Fraternal Order. Fran also had the distinct honor of being elected by the delegates at the Grand Lodge convention to the position of Grand Loyal Knight, serving in 1991 to 1992. Over the years Fran has continued to counsel exalted rulers, district deputies, and State Presidents in promoting Grand Lodge programs and community involvement. He has led by example in proposing new members, fund raising, active committee member and the support of the National Foundation of which he is an Honorary Founder. One of the highlights of Fran's many ambitious projects was the creation of the "Elk Soccer Shoot", a dream that started over twenty five years ago. He developed a soccer- kicking contest used by lodges across the country that is recognized by the Grand Lodge and under the direction of the G/L Youth Activities Committee. His idea was to promote an activity for the youth of our communities in which ALL could participate. The second, of many, highlights in his career with the Elks is his establishment of the Silver Girl Scouts Award. Because of this, Fran was made an Honorary Girl Scout, which he was very proud. There is no finer example of an elk who lives the words "Elks Care-Elks Share". He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, served on the Finance Board for the City of New Britain, was a U.S. Navy Veteran having served in World War II and had been inducted into the VFW Sports Hall of Fame. Fran is survived by his daughter, Erin and her husband Tom Foy of Berlin, two sons, Alan and his wife Margaret Joyce of Maine and Michael and his wife Michele Joyce of Bristol; a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann and her husband George Bartus of Michigan; 10 grandchildren, Raymond and Wayne Joyce, Brien, Shannon and Cory Joyce and Shawna and spouse Natanel Lewis, Kerry and Sarah Joyce and Kelly and Meghan Foy; two great grandchildren Alexis and Jordan; a sister-in-law Martha Joyce of New Britain and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son Donald Joyce. Funeral services will be held Monday 9:00 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church (corner of East St. and Newington Ave.) New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The Connecticut State Elks Association's Past State Presidents will conduct the Elks Ritual Sunday at 4:00 P.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Oncology Department (2-J) 12 Charter Oak Place, Hartford, CT 06106. The family would like to thank Theresa Karama for all her care and support given to Fran.