Joyce Elizabeth Harney

Joyce Harney (nee Gerro), age 97 of Twinsburg, OH, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Duane Harney; loving mother of Roberta Ann "Bobbie" Dougherty (husband John - deceased) of Ft. MIll, SC, Beth Harney of Cleveland, OH, Bruce Harney (wife Diane) of Lexington, KY and Brett Harney (wife Carol) of Twinsburg, OH; cherished grandmother of JP Dougherty (wife Kathryn), Justin Harney, Brice Harney (wife Andrea), Brent Harney (wife Sherah), Brett W. Harney, Bailey Kaverman (husband Aaron)and Blair Harney; dear great-grandmother of Makenzie Dougherty (deceased), Spencer, Carter and Mallory Dougherty, Lance and Theo Harney and Isla Kaverman and sister of the late Robert and Jack Hawkins both of Cleveland, OH.

Joyce's story is deeply rooted in Northeast Ohio, where love, family, and community shaped the life she cherished. She met her husband, Duane, while working at Cleveland's Nela Park in East Cleveland. Duane traveled to the plant periodically to perform inspections, and it didn't take long for their paths to turn into a lifelong partnership. They married soon after and spent a brief time living in Cleveland before purchasing their first home in Twinsburg in 1955-a place that would forever feel like home. Joyce and Duane shared 46 wonderful years of marriage until Duane's passing in 1999.

After raising her children, Joyce found joy in serving her community. She became the Pool Manager at the Twinsburg Recreation Center, where she worked for more than 20 years. Known for her warm smile and friendly nature, Joyce built lasting relationships with countless children and parents, becoming a familiar and trusted presence during many Twinsburg summers.

Joyce later continued her dedication to the heart of the community by working for 22 years as a cook at Bissell Elementary School in Twinsburg. There, she once again became a friendly, welcoming face to students and staff alike. It was also at Bissell where Joyce formed lifelong friendships with her fellow cooks-relationships she treasured deeply.

A true Clevelander at heart, Joyce was passionate about all Cleveland sports. Sundays in the fall were reserved for the Browns, and she was a diehard Indians fan who loved nothing more than attending summer home games, hot dog and beer in hand.

In her younger years, Joyce was an avid reader and bowled for more than twenty years. She was a proud member of the Twinsburg Historical Society and the First Congregational Ladies Guild of Twinsburg. Above all else, Joyce's greatest love was her family, her hometowns of Cleveland and Twinsburg, and the people who made those communities so special to her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Buckeye Hospice and Palliative Care, 3379 Main Street, Suite A/B, Mineral Ridge, OH 44400.

The events to celebrate Joyce will be: Calling hours at Busch - Romito Funeral Homes Twinsburg location, 9819 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, Ohio on January 23rd between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. Church services will be held at the First Congregational Church of Twinsburg, 9050 Church St., Twinsburg, Ohio on January 24th at 10:00am. Private burial services will follow. www.buschcares.com