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Richard Thomas Joy

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Richard Joy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 20, 2025.

Deacon Richard Thomas Joy Obituary

June 20, 1943 - July 27, 2022

Deacon Richard Thomas Joy (Ordained 1998) passed into eternal life on July 27, 2022. He was surrounded by his devoted family. His loving wife Kathleen, of 56 years, held his hand and heart as he passed peacefully to the Lord.

He is survived by his two children: his daughter, Sheila McFadden and her husband James of Orlando, FL and his son Kevin Joy and his wife Tammy of West Townsend, MA. He had six grandsons: Kyle Joy and his wife Sarah, Joshua Joy, Nicholas Joy, Michael Joy, Samuel McFadden and Joseph McFadden. He delighted in the birth of his first great grandson, Francis Joy. He also leaves many extended family and friends. He was pre-deceased by his father, Walter Richard Joy, his mother, Edith Coughlan Joy Cuoco, his brother, Robert Cuoco, his stepfather, Joseph Cuoco and his granddaughter, Kassandra Joy.

Richard and his family moved to Westford in 1971. He was a teacher, hockey coach, PTO president, library trustee, teen encounter advisor and entrepreneur. He founded his own businesses: Tax Time Financial Services and Cannonball Junction mini golf course.

Richard answered the call to serve the church in the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Boston. He was assigned to Saint Catherine's Parish in Westford. He grew in faith, devotion to God, family and service to God's people. He had an amazing way of preaching through stories. He felt the word of God had to pass through the human heart to be heard. He joyfully baptized babies, celebrated marriages and took on the challenge of prison ministry.

To his family, he was Papa. He was devoted to his wife Kathy and cherished the life they built together. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He spent hours playing Phase 10, games and watching hockey. He went to school concerts, movies, parties and most of all enjoyed story telling. He was honored to be part of two grandsons' Eagle Scout journeys. He thought family dinners were way more valuable than money and his last message to his family was "Loving you all greatly"!

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