Harold L. Joyce

ALBANY Harold L. Joyce, 62, died Thursday, December 11, 2003 at St. Peter's Hospital surrounded by his loving family and his Old Friend from Second Street, Fr. John Bradley. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Raymond and Edna Crist Joyce. He was a member of the Christian Brothers Academy, class of 1959. Mr. Joyce recently retired from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 724, where he was the business agent for nearly 30 years. He was both a longtime Albany County legislator, representing his neighbors in the 14th Legislative District, and the ward leader in Albany's 12th Ward. Harold was a former chairman of the Albany County Democratic Committee and former chairman of the Albany County Legislature. During his tenure with the legislature, he chaired the Civic Center Committee and Mass Transit Committee. In this capacity, he was instrumental to the construction of the Knickerbocker Arena and creation of the Albany County Airport Authority. He was past president of the Tri City Building Trades, member of the Democratic National Committee and past delegate to the National Democratic Convention. He was a lifetime communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany and was past president of their Holy Name Society and former trustee. His love of the City and its neighborhoods compelled his service to many civic organizations and for this, he will be remembered by many grateful friends and neighbors. Harold told his family when he was diagnosed with cancer that he only wanted three things in life: to be surrounded by a great family, to have a job helping people and to play second base for the Red Sox. When he died, he was confident knowing that he had accomplished two of these goals with overwhelming and inspiring success. He was the beloved husband of Peg Kane Joyce; dear father of Raymond F. Joyce III of Albany, Amy E. Joyce (Seth Holbrook) of Albany, Maggie J. Johnson (Erik) of Albany, Matthew K. Joyce of Albany and Andrew C. Joyce of Albany; cherished Papa to Anna Kathleen; dear brother of Raymond F. Joyce Jr. (Joan) of Albany, Edna Kelly of Albany, Philip Joyce (Mary) of Marlton, N.J., Florence Ladouceur (Philip) of Albany, Veronica Kavanaugh of Slingerlands, William Joyce (Kathleen) of Amsterdam, Frances and Michaela Joyce, both of Albany; and the late Mary, Robert and Jack Joyce; he was loved and admired by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and in-laws. Funeral services Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany at 10:30 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday 3:00 to 8:00 in the funeral home. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Harold and his family in a special way may send contributions to Blessed Sacrament Church Fund, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206.