John Joyce

JOYCE, JOHN J. III, 50, of Providence, passed away on Thursday evening, February 14, 2013 at his home. Born in Providence, he was the son of Elizabeth T. (Martin) Joyce and the late Thomas F. Joyce. John was an advocate and activist for Rhode Island's homeless community and was instrumental in getting Rhode Island's Homeless Bill of Rights passed into law. He was co-director of the Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project (RIHAP) and worked for the Providence Center as an outreach worker connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to services. Besides his mother, he leaves his partner, Megan Smith, of Providence; a brother, Thomas F. Joyce, Jr., and his wife, Ruchi, of Coventry; a sister, Katherine Greenwell, and her husband, Joseph, of Warwick; and three nieces and a nephew, Jaya and Caeden Joyce, Shannon and Caleigh Greenwell. He also left behind many cherished friends and co-workers. John's memorial service with visitation will begin on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 9:00 am, in the Beneficent Congregational Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence. The memorial service will be at 11:00 am, in the church, with a reception and luncheon to follow. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, 1070 Main Street, Suite 202, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, Providence. For online condolences, please visit www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com