Raymond F. Joyce Jr.

Joyce, Raymond F. Jr. ALBANY Ray, a life-long resident of Albany, the oldest of 12 children born to Raymond F. Joyce Sr. and Edna M. Crist, graduate of CBA and Siena College U.S. Army Infantry School, Armor School and the Army Command and General Staff College died Tuesday, August 12, 2014. He served as treasurer of the city of Albany for over 13 years and chairman of the city planning board for almost 30 years. Prior, he was staff officer of the NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs retiring as colonel in the NYS Guard and worked 10 years as a military instructor/history teacher at CBA. A veteran with five years active duty during World War II in Europe, he served as rifle company commander with the 83rd Division. When hostilities ceased, he was assigned as military governor of nine German towns and five displaced persons camps. Decorations include two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was very active in Veteran's affairs and was past commander of the Albany County American Legion. He was also a member of: Knights of Columbus, Albany Elks Lodge, Ancient Order of the Hibernians, the Christopher Columbus Quincentennial Commission, the Joint Veteran's Committee, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Joseph E. Zaloga Post 1520, and Catholic War Vets. He served as chairman of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration. He served as the treasurer of the NYS Military Heritage Museum& Research Center, city of Albany Tricentennial Commission and the Albany-Tula (Russia) Alliance, making three trips to Russia. He was on the executive committee of the Albany All-America City Commission, founding treasurer of Center Art Gallery, board member of the Fr. Peter Young Center, past president of many organizations including: the Albany Kiwanis Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Blessed Sacrament and St Vincent de Paul Church Parish Councils, Camp Thatcher Opportunities, Retired Men's Fraternity and St. Catherine's Center for Children. He was a member of the USS Albany (submarine) Commissioning Committee and was on board for its launching. Ray is the recipient of numerous awards including: The 4 Chaplains Award presented by the Jewish War Vets, 3rd Age Achievement Award presented by Senior Citizens and the Leone d'Oro Award presented by the Sons of Italy. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan Simonin; six children, Janice Joyce (Henry Frueh), Michael (Judy) Joyce, Daniel (Patty) Joyce, Mary Joyce, Patricia Joyce-O'Toole (Thomas ) and Therese Joyce (Thomas Schmidt); eight beloved grandchildren and four siblings, Philip (Mary) Joyce of New Jersey, Florence (Phil) Ladouceur, Veronica (Ernest) Kavanaugh, and Michaela Joyce, all of Albany; sisters-in-law, Kathleen, Peggy and Pat Joyce, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings, Mary, Jack, William, Frances, Robert, Harold and Edna (Don) Kelly. The family wishes to thank the staff at Teresian House, especially 5B, for their tireless and loving care. Funeral services Monday, August 18, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. from McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany thence to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany at 10:30 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday, August 17, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those wishing to remember Ray in a special way may send a contribution to Blessed Sacrament School, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit McveighFuneralhome.com