Leonard J. Joyce

Retired GE employeeNEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Leonard John Joyce, 78, widower of Mary T. (Shanahan) Joyce, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2009.He was born in Boston on Aug. 31, 1930, son of the late John Joyce and Angelina (Mazzarella) Carey. He attended East Boston High School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Len served in the U.S. Air Force 1946-50, worked at Pratt and Whitney and retired from General Electric of Lynn after more than 30 years of testing the latest jet engine designs.He was an avid golfer, earning four hole-in-ones, and a long time member of the Thomson Country Club. Len was a licensed pilot and an avid reader with a preference for science fiction. Len also enjoyed an "occasional" game of poker. In retirement he was an active member of the Seven Springs Country Club, New Port Richey, Fla. for nearly 20 years.In addition to his wife Mary of 56 years, he was predeceased by his son Stephen and his brother Francis. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Mark McGuinness, son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Cheryl Joyce, daughter Marlene Surette and son and daughter-in-law Raymond and Michele Joyce; his step brothers Paul Carey, Ernest Carey, Warren Carey, Robert Carey, Richard Carey, Priscilla McCormack, Russell Carey, Angela St. Amand and Carl Carey; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and 51 nieces and nephews.Service information: Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Len's life today at Angelica's Restaurant, 49 South Main St., Middleton 01949 from 5:30-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held in New Port Richey, Fla. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Lazarus House Ministries, P.O. Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01842 www.lazarushouse.org.