John M. Joyce, Sr., affectionately known as Yackie, 88, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024 with his loving son by his side.

John was born in NYC on May 16, 1936 to John and Elizabeth Joyce. He was an extremely proud graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School and married the love of his life, Joan, shortly after. They moved to Rockland in 1967 where they raised their 4 children. John proudly served his country in the United States Navy and then went on to have a very distinguished career in the NYPD, retiring out of crime scene as a detective. Post NYPD, he rejoined the Navy as a successful Naval Reserve recruiter.

John loved to tell stories, especially about the love of his life, Joan. One he always enjoyed telling was about how he would hitchhike from Brunswick, ME on Friday to the Bronx just to see her and then quickly turning around to go back on Sunday. He loved growing up in the Bronx, being part the the Dukes and extremely proud of his Irish roots. John was a very devout parishioner of St. Gregory Barbarigo Church, helped start adoration and was also a long time lector there. He and Joan together formed some of their closest friends through Marriage Encounter who became like family to them. Through the years they often met monthly at someones home for "Group Reunion". He was an avid reader and was very proud of his grandchildren. His greatest joy came from his family.

He is survived by his loving children Maureen Colantonio (Daniel), John Joyce, Jr. (Karen), cherished grandchildren Sean Greene and Megan Andrews (Kyle), Christina and Jonathan Colantonio, Caitlin and Courtney Joyce, and Aidan Falcone, and his cherished great-granddaughter Makayla Andrews. He is also survived by his little brother, Walter, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joanie, and his loving daughters Eileen and Patricia.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4pm-8pm at TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, 11am at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Garnerville, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.