Larry Lee Joy

Larry was born in Alameda, California to Bob and Evelyn Joy, owners of Western Market on Park Street. He grew up working in his parents' grocery and produce store from the time he was nine years old through his graduation from Alameda High School in 1971. He went on to work at Bay Cities Produce in Oakland, then Diablo Foods in Lafayette and Concord for 19 years, until operating his own produce business for 20 years.

In the summer of 1978, Larry met his future wife, Janice (Jan) Olofson while bowling for his Diablo Foods team at the Danville Bowl, where she worked at the diner. They quickly became inseparable, setting out together to explore the beauty of California around Lake Tahoe, Mendocino, Carmel, Pacific Grove and eventually at their cabin in Arnold. Their shared love of music took them to dozens of live concerts with family and friends over the years. Golf and Texas Hold'em were Larry's sports and recreation, for which he organized and attended golf trips and card games with his buddies throughout California, Arizona and Las Vegas. His golf clubs were always with him (just in case).

With his quirky sense of humor and childlike sense of fun, combined with a strong work ethic and unwavering moral compass, Larry was cherished in his family and at work. Though he had no children, he mentored, trained, and instilled a sense of honor and pride in his employees and many nieces and nephews who looked up to him.

In 1996, Larry fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own business. He and Jan purchased Danville Produce, a wholesale company specializing in excellent service and quality produce for restaurants, country clubs, hotels, and high-end grocery stores. His prior employer, Ed Stokes who was the owner of Diablo Foods and long-time family friend, became his customer when he left Diablo Foods to venture out on his own. Larry was always grateful for his support during those early years of growing his business. Larry had a knack for making great deals and loved to 'beat out' the competition for the best product at the best prices. And as true foodies, Larry and Jan often dined at the many fine restaurants their business served.

After operating Danville Produce for 20 years, Larry retired and moved to Dayton, Nevada where he could play all the golf and Texas Hold'em his heart desired. He found a wonderful circle of friends there, while also staying connected to the lifelong friendships and family ties in the Bay Area.

In December, 2016 Larry was diagnosed with Stage IV oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, which he valiantly fought against throughout his remaining years. Even as the cancer metastasized and worsened his physical health and he endured difficult treatments, he still golfed and played cards with his buddies, enjoying his life in every way possible. With his positive outlook he never lost hope that he would beat it, which he did for some precious years.

Though Larry and Jan divorced in 2013, life's mysterious ways led them back to each other some years ago and they eventually remarried. Jan was the one true love of Larry's life, and she was by his side when he passed.

Larry's only brother Gary passed away on the same day as Larry from complications of congestive heart failure. Larry is survived by his wife Jan, his brother Gary's daughters, Bonnie Joy and Heather Turley, a big circle of in-laws he considered siblings, as well as nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews whom he loved watching grow and shine, and so many cherished friends he considered family. It is said that proof of a life well lived is found in those who love you. The tremendous love that lives on for Larry in so many hearts is a tribute to his well lived life.

There are no services planned at this time, though we welcome you to share a story or memory on legacy.com. Memorial contributions in Larry's name may be made to the Oral Cancer Foundation https://oralcancerfoundation.org/ or the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/