Mark Lee Joyce

Joyce, Mark Lee

65, died Sunday, July 20, in Tampa, Fla. Mark moved to Tampa 15 years ago from his native Tucson, Ariz., to live with family. He worked in restaurant kitchens much of his life. He had been working at construction sites around Hillsborough County at the time of his death.

Mark's parents and two oldest siblings moved to Tucson from Janesville, Wis., in 1949. He was born at Tucson General Hospital in 1960, went to Sacred Heart Elementary School, graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1978, and attended university classes.

An engaging conversationalist, Mark was an avid and informed fan of most major sports. He was dedicated to his beloved Packers, Yankees, and University of Arizona teams, including the school's softball and baseball squads. He considered his authentic Thurman Munson game jersey to be formal wear. Fellow lefty Phil Mickelson, though an Arizona State University graduate, was among the golfers he followed closely.

Mark put his skills in food service to work through the years as a volunteer with soup kitchens in Tampa.

He is survived by his brother, Dennis; and sister-in-law, Emilie (Ickler) Joyce of Tampa, Fla.; nieces, Linda (Jarven) Rubin of Duvall, Wash.; and Kerry (Joyce) Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and nephews, Daniel Joyce of Washington, D.C., and Conor Joyce of Tampa. He is predeceased by his parents, Gerard Elwood "Woody" Joyce and Edna Helen (Cudahy) Joyce; sister, Agnes (Joyce) Jarven; and brother, Charles Joyce.

A memorial service is planned for a later date. Donations may be made in Mark's memory to Meals on Wheels.

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