John Joseph Joyce Sr.

On the afternoon of Nov. 9, 2016, John passed away peacefully in his home. John, 80 years old, was born on Nov. 28, 1935 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He moved with his family to Carna, Connemara, in County Galway, Ireland in 1939 where he spent his childhood and young adult life. John moved back to New York and lived in Manhattan in 1956, working for Con Edison until he retired in 1999. While in Manhattan, John met Bridie Mangan, and they were married on June 20, 1959. John and Bridie had four children, eventually settling in New Fairfield, Ct., to raise their family. John enjoyed landscaping and the outdoors, and started a part-time landscaping business in 1971. Over the years, he employed his sons as well as youth from New Fairfield, several who would credit him, even decades later, with teaching them the value of hard work. An avid dart player, John played in several dart leagues in Connecticut and New York up until last year. As a member of St. Edward the Confessor Church, he often read scriptures in Gaelic for the St. Patrick’s Day Mass. John also taught Gaelic at the annual Irish cultural festival in Danbury, and would give presentations on the Irish culture and language in area schools. John enjoyed reading as well as following politics and current events. He was predeceased by his son, James Gerard Joyce, in June 1985. He is survived by his wife, Bridie Joyce; a daughter, Sally Marie Joyce; two sons, John Joseph Joyce Jr. and his wife Jennifer; and Kevin Thomas Joyce and his wife Anne; as well as five grandchildren – James Barrett, Kathren Anne, Kevin Patrick, Amanda Nicole, and Bridget Maria; a sister Mary (Joyce) Cawley, as well as an aunt, several cousins, nephews, and nieces. Family and friends are encouraged to call at The Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, CT., from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on November 13, 2016. A Funeral Mass will be held November 14, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Church in New Fairfield, CT. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that all donations be contributed to The National Emphysema Foundation 128 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. Online condolences can be made at www.thegreenfuneralhome.com