Stephen R. Joyce

Stephen (Steve) Joyce, 68, passed away July 20, 2020 after his courageous 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

He was born March 22, 1952 Chicago, IL to Joseph and Mary Joyce and is survived by his wife Patricia (Kelly) Joyce; his daughters and spouses Megan and Martin (Czerep), Nicole and Carlos (Garcia) and Jennifer; his grandchildren Charlie Garcia, Emma Garcia, Mariah Garcia and Oliver Czerep.

He married Patricia Kelly on October 29, 1982. Soon after, they bought their dream home in Edison Park, IL where they resided for 34 years and raised their family.

In his younger years, Steve spent his days and nights working to support his family. Sometimes working up to three jobs at a time and selflessly giving his everything to his family.

Steve joined the Chicago Police Department in 1981. He received several honorary commendations from the department for his commitment to the Chicago Police Department and was ‘one of the best’. His assignments included 20th district, gang crimes and Area 5 SVU (‘Area 5, this is Joyce’). He retired after 29 years with the department as an Area 5 Detective for Special Victims Unit. After his retirement, he enjoyed his days at home surrounded by family and grandbabies, going out with the boys, indulging in Dunkin Donuts coffee and Dairy Queen ice cream. His positivity was a shining light in so many people’s lives. His hard work, kindness, patience, commitment and dedication was commendable. He made friends everywhere he went, could hold a conversation with anyone and lit up any room he entered with his beaming smile. His humor, laugh, hugs and guiding advice will be sorely missed. He was a hero to so many. He showed strength and resilience each and every day of his life. They simply don’t make them like Steve anymore and as a dedication the legacy he left….honoring him by embodying just a little more of Steve in our daily lives would make this world more beautiful.

A memorial service will be held Monday July 27, 2020 at Cooney Funeral Home in Park Ridge, IL between the hours of 3p-6p to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Greater Illinois National Multiple Sclerosis Society https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/ILD 

For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com 

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