Thomas Michael Joyce

Thomas Michael Joyce

Age 77 of Crete, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Darien, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Born June 11, 1945 and raised on Chicago’s Southside, the son of Irish immigrants, the late Henry Joyce Sr. and Bridget Virginia Joyce, nee Philbin.  After graduating from Bogan High School, he was drafted and served his country honorably with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He married his high school sweetheart, Judith Sauer, and raised three children during their 25 years together.  Thomas was a member first of the Painters Union, like his father, and then of the Pipefitters Union Local 597.  He worked as an HVAC Technician with Borg, Oakbrook Mechanical Services, Precision, and C.A. Hayes.  He enjoyed playing ice hockey at HF Ice Arena and 16 inch softball at Conkey Woods. He retired after 30+ years of hard work and began house painting and handyman work.  Forever a Mopar man, he completed the restoration of, and raced his 1964 Dodge Polara with his son.  He rode his Harley and watched his beloved Chicago sports teams with friends.  A member of the Midlothian VFW Post, he was a patriot and a loyal friend to many.

Thomas is survived by his two daughters: Jennifer Joyce of Geneva and Bridget Joyce (Zachary Taylor) of Darien, and his son: Timothy (Dawn) Joyce of Crete.  He was blessed with six grandchildren who will miss his humor: Louis, Joseph and Jillian Foglia, August and Willem Bortman, and Lucinda Joyce.

He is mourned by his siblings: John (Linda) Joyce, Patrick Joyce, Kathryn Joyce, Michael (Patricia) Joyce, Therese (Al) Lynn nee Joyce, Mary Ellen (Michael) Considine nee Joyce, Henry (Linda) Joyce, James (Sondra) Joyce.  He is remembered by his many nieces and nephews who hold fond memories of their Uncle Tom.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet.  A celebration of Thomas’ life will continue on Monday, April 3, 2023 with a visitation from 11:30 a.m. until time of funeral service beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow and Thomas will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, where he will receive full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Thomas’ memory to Disabled Veterans of America.