William G. Joyce

William G. Joyce, 83, of Shelton, entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 24th, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, with his wife and a friend by his side. Bill was born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 25, 1939, to his late parents, William L. Joyce and Anna Margaret [Hanley] Joyce. He was raised and lived in Brooklyn for many years, before relocating to Scotch Plains, NJ, followed by a move to Shelton, CT, which became home for the past almost fifty years.

Bill held advanced degrees in electrical engineering and nuclear physics, which supported and enhanced his life-long, successful career with Philips North America. Over the years, he reorganized and managed several business locations for Philips, including divisions in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California. His work included extensive and frequent travel, on both domestic and international levels.   

Post retirement, Bill was very active in volunteerism. He served as an executive volunteer for REAPS at Sacred Heart University. He also served as a senior advisor to graduate students in the MBA Program at Sacred Heart, as well as became very involved with the development and evolution of the Center for Not-for-Profit Organizations at SHU. He possessed a strong belief in the value of education and life-long learning, frequently enjoying learning something new via Great Courses. Bill loved to play golf with “the guys” before he became ill, often stating that the camaraderie and being outdoors was more important and enjoyable than the game itself.

Bill was a man of a very strong, yet quiet faith. He was a founding member of The Men of St. Joseph at St. Lawrence Parish, where he worked to grow and strengthen the group over time. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Lawrence for many years, and he prayed the Rosary daily. He was a life-long member of AIEE [American Institute of Electrical Engineers], which is now known as IEEE [Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers]. Most important, Bill was a true gentleman, a very soft, kind, and compassionate person, with a good sense of humor.

In addition to his wife of 22 years, Joan, Bill is survived by three daughters from a previous marriage [the late Arlene M. D'Emic Joyce], including Anna Joyce of Frederick, MD, Amanda Clark [Jeffrey] of Paoli, PA, and Kathryn Marsanico [Richard] of Floral Park, NY, as well as three grandchildren, Colin and Janie Ann Marsanico, and Alexa Clark. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Jeanne Orlowski, brother-in-law, Msgr. Walter Orlowski, and sister-in-law, Carol Colburn. As a lifelong lover of felines, Bill leaves behind his “sweet Gracie.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 3rd, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew Church in Norwalk, with entombment to follow at St. John Cemetery in Norwalk. Private viewing for family is available at Magner Funeral Home, prior to the start of the funeral. Memorial donations, in Bill’s name, may be made to the Medical Missionaries of Mary [www.MMMWorldwide.org], or to the Msgr. Walter Orlowski Recreation Center at St. Matthew Parish. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Sr. Sally Norcross, Rev. Ciprian Bejan, Rev. Dr. Tomi Thomas, and Rev. Sunil Pereira, as well as to the Pastoral Care Department at St. Vincent’s, especially Deacon Tim, all of whom visited and prayed with Bill on many occasions throughout his illness.