Joyce Pelto Obituary
She was born on February 21, 1946, in her grandparents' home in Berkshire, NY, and spent her childhood years in Candor, NY. Joyce lived most of her life in Spencer, where she and her husband of 53 years, Thomas Clark Pelto, built a life filled with love and family.
Joyce and Tom owned and operated T&J Contracting for over 40 years. While helping run the business and raising her family, Joyce bravely returned to school at age 44 to earn her nursing degree.
Her greatest joy in life was her large family. She is survived by her husband, Thomas; her seven children: Terrie Crance (Jack) of Candor, Christopher Pelto (Christine) of Endicott, Lisa Thurston (Geri Neri) of Liverpool, Tony Pelto of Spencer, Holly Cornwell (Andy) of Van Etten, Jerome Pelto of Van Etten, and Jeffrey Pelto (Shannon) of Spencer.
She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Adam Pelto (Kasey), Samantha Pelto, Alex Pelto, Jessica Thurston-Fenescey (Daniel), Caleb Thurston, Christian Cornwell, Jacob Cornwell, Eli Cornwell, Spencer Pelto, James Pelto, Kimberly Pelto, and Annabelle Pelto; eight great-grandchildren; and many more loving extended family members.
Her surviving siblings are Donna Van Etten (Robert) of Willseyville and Vonnie Joseph (Julie Riley) of Schenectady. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Acla, as well as her father, Donald Egbert Acla, and mother, Pauline Ruth Acla.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Allen-Manzer Funeral Home in Spencer, NY, with burial to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Candor, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Joyce's favorite organizations: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave Smith
May 31, 2025
So sorry for the loss for the family and the community
Gene & Michele Scorzelli
May 31, 2025
Lisa and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Gene and Michele
Rose Liske
May 30, 2025
Donna and all of Joyce's family - sincere condolences - may your memories help comfort you.
Sandy and Steve Paufve
May 30, 2025
So very sorry to hear that Joyce has passed. Sending love and prayers to her family.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Roxanne
May 30, 2025
Joyce you have meant so much to me. Through our talks you have helped me get past things. I love you. You will be missed so much. God has gotten another angel. One of the best. Forever in our hearts . RIP
joan meddaugh
May 23, 2025
Dear Donna and family
So sorry to hear about Joyce´s passing but knowing she is with her Savior Jesus and all her love ones who have gone on before her. I pray will give you comfort in the days and weeks and months to come.
In Christ
Joan Beebe Meddaugh
Nan Gorham
May 22, 2025
I met Joyce many years ago through email as we bonded over our mutual love of schnauzers. She was so kind and amazed me with all of her large family doings. We kept some late hours visiting and I'll always cherish the memories. God bless all of the family whom she loved deeply. I'll see you soon, Joyce.
Phyllis and Gary Joseph
May 22, 2025
Joyce was the glue that held our extended family together. As the second eldest of our generation of cousins, she took it upon herself to maintain our family connections and create new traditions that brought us all closer.
She was the one who created our family group chat, and made sure everyone knew about important events in each other´s lives. Joyce had this extraordinary ability to remember every cousin´s birthday, interests, and important life events, making each of us feel specially valued.
Even during her illness, she continued encouraging connections between cousins who might not otherwise stay in touch.
Thank you, Joyce, for being our family´s connector and keeper of traditions. Your legacy lives on in the bonds you helped create between all of us.
Peter Thies
May 22, 2025
Joyce was a dear friend for 25 years. She was an inspiring advocate for homeschooling and a loyal prayer warrior. She supported me through many trials and cared for me like a son. I will deeply miss her but am comforted by the knowledge that I will see her again.
Ashley Thornton
May 22, 2025
The love you gave will be missed by so many! Your love was big and there was enough for everyone. You made us all feel so special. We shared a favorite person my nana and your aunt Jean, ide say we both had good taste I will miss you dearly! My thoughts are with all your wonderful children during this time! Love you always Ashley, Pat, Anthony and James Thornton
Jenny Hayes (VanEtten)
May 22, 2025
I am so very sorry for this great loss. I have such fond memories of Joyce. She was one of the kindest and sweetest ladies I´ve ever met. Praying for comfort and peace for her entire family.
Maria Gautreaux
May 22, 2025
If known Joyce since I was 12, for 26 years. She was always good to me, specially when I was a teenager, she did a lot for me. I remember great times camping, bailing hay, she anyways made sure we were fed with great food, and so so many trips to the regal movie theater in her tiny little blue Toyota car packed full of us kids, sometimes one too many. Joyce treated me like her own. Sending love and prayers to her family.
Holly Cornwell
May 22, 2025
Mom, the world will not be the same without you in it. You were immensely loved and will be greatly missed. Holly, Andy and the boys
Holly Cornwell
May 22, 2025
Mom, the world won't be the same without your presence in it. You were loved and will be greatly missed. Holly, Andy and the boys
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Joyce Pelto's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Joyce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joyce Pelto's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
