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Edward Joyce Obituary
He was born Jan. 27, 1934, in Elgin, to longtime Elgin Courier news reporter Edward "Sparky" Joyce and Ann B. Fox.
He is a former resident of Elgin and Crystal Lake. A native of Elgin for more than 65 years, he was a graduate of St. Edward High School and Elgin Community College, and received his degree in journalism cum laude in 1956 from the University of Notre Dame. After college, he served his country in the Army from 1956 to 1958.
He worked as director of public relations for Peoples Energy Corp. of Chicago and its subsidiaries from 1961 until his retirement in 1997. He was responsible for all of the companies' internal and external communications, media relations and philanthropic programs. Prior professional experience included employment as an industrial editor for Skil Power Tools, a writer for Jewel food-store chain, a college sports publicist, and a freelance news correspondent. He served on the public relations committees for the American Gas Association and the Midwest Gas Association. He was a member of the Public Relations Society of America and was a past president of the Chicago Public Relations Clinic. He also volunteered his time serving as chairman of the Elgin Housing Authority in the early 1970s.
Married Aug. 6, 1960, he was the beloved husband of Nancy McKeever for 38 years. He is the father of Elizabeth Joyce Huffman of Crystal Lake, Jori (Evan) Farrell of Boca Raton, Fla., Julie (David) Keck of Dubuque, Iowa; and a son, Edward (Gina) Joyce III of Elgin. He was a devoted grandfather to Scott Huffman, Gia and Edward Joyce V, and Bryan and Ashlynn Keck.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sister, Mary Kay Kwain; and a grandson at infancy.
Private services have been held and were followed by burial in Mount Hope Cemetery in Elgin.
Memorials in his name may be directed to the St. Edward High School Educational Foundation, 335 Locust St., Elgin, IL 60123.
For information, call the Laird Funeral Home at 847-771-8800 or visit www.lairdfamily
funeralservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Joyce
6 Entries
February 4, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Ed. I haven't seen him in so many years...
He was a good man!
Mo Smith Szydlowski
Tricia Puleo
February 1, 2010
To the family of Edward Joyce, my heart is saddened at the news of the loss of your father. I know how difficult it was to lose your beloved mom, Nancy just a short time ago. You all have much to be proud of with the caring and loving parents you have shared. Know that they are together again and watching over their cherished children and grandchildren.
God Bless the family of Edward and Nancy.
Tricia Puleo
From Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
(Nancy's neighbor from Aldine Street formerly known as Patty Hobart!)
Dick Jacob
January 31, 2010
Buddies since 3rd grade, Jacob, Joyce in everyhthing throughout alphebitized high school, left & right guards on St. Ed's fottball team, roommates at Notre Dame, best buddies since forever. I'll miss you 'Sparky'. Your quick wit and truly funny humor will be sorely missed by all. Till we meet again - Jake
Dave Inglis
January 30, 2010
My heartfelt thanks for the life of Ed Joyce, and my sincere sympathy to his family. I serve the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake. Ed Joyce's last act in life was one of true charity. He delivered a box of supplies for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Godspeed, Ed.
January 30, 2010
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Ed's family. I had the opportunity to work with him and know him socially, He was one of the finest people I have ever met. His kindness and warm feelings for others will be remembered. Ed will truly be missed
Ken Balaskovits, Park Ridge
Nancy Waber
January 30, 2010
I worked at Peoples Gas in Advertising/PR with Ed and thought he was the nicest guy. Always busy typing the next annual report. I'd kid him that his latest report was terrific. I read it at night and fell asleep in 3 minutes!!!
In November I ran into Ed at the Wellington Restaurant in Arlington Hts. He was having lunch with some PG retirees. His voice was raspy due to medication but looked fine. And we were happily talking about old friends & what we were up to in retirement. Gosh I feel so sorry that he passed away so soon. My sympathy to family & friends of this dear man.
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