Stephen J. Joyce

Stephen Joseph Joyce, 80, of Lansdowne, PA, passed away October 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 2, 1945, to Mary H. Joyce (née Donovan) and John F. Joyce of Drexel Hill, PA. Steve attended St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School and Monsignor Bonner High School before graduating from Drexel University in 1968 with a degree in Commerce and Engineering. Following graduation, Steve taught math for more than 30 years, retiring from Upper Darby High School in 2006.

Growing up in Drexel Hill, Steve made many lifelong friends, several of whom became the source of countless, colorful stories cherished by his children and grandchildren. He was known for his dry sense of humor, easygoing nature, and quiet kindness. Steve had a natural way of connecting with people, making friends wherever he went. A true music enthusiast, with a special passion for Bob Dylan, he was often called Dylan's greatest fan. He would pore over Dylan biographies, study concert setlists, and play his current favorite song on repeat.

Though Steve was a natural athlete who could play any sport, basketball was his favorite. He played for Drexel University during his college years and never lost his love for the sport. A lifelong Phillies, Eagles, college basketball and (sometimes) Sixers fan, he rarely missed a game. Sports talk radio was a constant in his home, coming from the portable radio he carried from room to room. He shared his love of sports with his grandchildren and took great pride in watching them play.

Steve was an avid reader with a particular love for newspapers, sometimes reading five in a day. He took great joy in finding stories that reminded him of friends and family, clipping and sending them along with handwritten notes in the margins.

Steve's greatest love was his family, and particularly his one and only true love, Peggy. Steve and Peggy were married for 56 wonderful years. They shared a love of the Shore and spent some of their best years living in Margate, NJ. Their life together was full of music, laughter, concerts, and precious time spent with their children and grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Ann "Peggy" Joyce, children Robert Stephen Joyce, Maggie (Todd) Clark, and Lara (Kyle Andrews) Joyce; grandchildren Margot and William Clark, and Silas and Arlo Loftus; sisters Anne Currie and Ellie Joyce Hardy, sister-in-law Ellie Keegan Joyce, and many nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his parents, brother John F. Joyce, Jr., and daughter Carey Joyce.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Philomena's Roman Catholic Church, 41 E. Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne, PA, where friends may call after 8:45 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory may be made to World Food Program USA (donate.wfpusa.org).

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