Dateline - Providence, RI and Cape Porpoise, ME

William Dennis Joyce, Esq., 78, of Providence, RI and Cape Porpoise, ME died peacefully Sunday morning, October 11, 2015, at his home in Cape Porpoise following a battle with cancer. “Bill” was born on May 14, 1937, the fifth of ten children, to James and Julia (McSweeney) Joyce. He grew up in Dorchester, graduated from Hyde Park High School, completed his undergraduate work at Boston College, and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Suffolk University. Bill was Partner in the law firm of Stanzler, Levine and Joyce, retiring in 2004 following a 37-year career.

He married Linda Ann Morrissey on November 4, 1972. Bill and Linda moved to Sherborn, MA, where they welcomed daughters Abigail and Amy.

Bill was enthusiastic, curious, fun, quirky, and strong willed. Bill loved playing golf, riding his bike, reading, listening to classical music, and philosophizing. He loved puttering around the house and playing with his grandchildren; he was never one to sit still. We will miss his smile, warmth and hospitality - to so many, he was one of their “favorite people.”

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by two brothers, James Joseph “Buddy” Jr.; Thomas Joyce; and two sisters, Winifred “Winnie” Arseneault and Mary Joyce.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Linda Ann Joyce of Providence, RI and Cape Porpoise, ME; two daughters, Abigail Wallace Joyce Messenger and husband Jay of Winchester, MA; Amy Taylor Joyce and husband Eddie Guo of Brooklyn, NY; four brothers, Dennis Joyce of Easthampton, MA, and his wife, Beverly Shinn of Hollywood, FL; John “Jack” Joyce and wife Sandi of Hudson, MA; Paul Joyce and wife Joanne of Marshfield, MA; Richard Joyce of Natick, MA; sister, Julieanne “Julie” Dorsey of Canton, MA; four grandchildren, Grace Beckett Messenger, Lucy James Messenger, Taylor Morissey Guo, and Winifred Rose Guo, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, October 16, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence, RI. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 114 George Street, Providence. Should friends choose, memorial donations in Bill’s name are encouraged to: Catholic Charities USA, P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, MD 21297-1066.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit Bill’s Book of Memory Page at www.bibberfuneral.com; for online expressions of sympathy, visit www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com

Arrangements in Maine are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043. Arrangements in Rhode Island are in care of Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, Providence.
www.bibberfuneral.com www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com