Phillip D. Joyce

JOYCE, PHILLIP D., 76, - of North Cape May, passed away July 16. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Saint Mary of the Mount High School from which he graduated in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1953 and ascended to the rank of Boatswain's Mate, first class prior to his honorable discharge in 1959. In addition to his service on the cutters Curlew, Fern and Westwind, Mr. Joyce was an All Navy and All Armed Forces nose tackle, offensive guard and defensive lineman for the Coast Guard Bears football team. He was the recipient of invitations to try out for both the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams professional football teams. Following completion of a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, Mr. Joyce taught calligraphy, art history and three dimensional design in various Pittsburgh schools. He retired from Shady Side Academy and Carnegie Mellon University after 25 years in the classroom. Mr. Joyce was an active exhibitor at many Cape May area art shows, and received numerous awards. He was a member of the Cape May County Art League and the Ocean City Arts Center. Philip was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Mary Joyce. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Helen (Rothenberg) Joyce, a daughter Mary Helen (David) Ryan of Pittsburgh; sons Patrick A. Joyce (Rachael) of Virginia and Philip J. Joyce of Pittsburgh; Three grandchildren, Conor, Meghan and Patrick Ryan and a brother Ernest P. Joyce of Connecticut. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 21, 2008, 10am at the Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Road, N. Cape May. Friends will be received from 9:30am until the time of the service Monday. Burial will follow at the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery, Cape May Court House. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Atlanticare Hospice, P0 Box 1626, Pleasantville, NJ 08232. A charity of the donor's choice may be selected, or Mass Cards may be sent.