Thomas Patrick Joyce

Thomas Joyce passed away at the age of 72 on January 19, 2025, in Venice, FL.  Tom was born on September 22, 1952, in Berwyn, IL to his loving parents William and Helen (Richards) Joyce.  

Tom was a graduate of Coal City High School in Coal City, IL and Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO where he earned a B.S in Nuclear Engineering.  

After college, Tom worked for Commonwealth Edison (now Exelon) in Chicago, IL and at several nuclear plants in the Midwest.  He later moved to PA and worked for PSEG Nuclear where he was the Site Vice President at the Salem/Hope Creek nuclear plants in NJ.  Tom held many executive positions  in his 40 years in the nuclear industry, retiring March 2015 as President and Chief Nuclear Officer (CNO) of PSEG Nuclear.  

Tom had a strong love for his children and grandchildren, offering them a lifetime of laughter and unforgettable memories.  Tom was passionate about sharing the joys of life with his loved ones, especially in the great outdoors.  From camping by the river to annual fishing contests, he made sure every moment was filled with adventure, joy, and connection.  Through Indian Guides, Indian Princesses, and Cub Scouts, he instilled a love for nature and the value of family traditions in his children.  A true food enthusiast, Tom was also a master in the kitchen, delighting family and friends with his culinary creations.  His love for food was only rivaled by his love of gathering people around the table.  His legendary fish fry at the end of each summer was a highlight for many, and he had a special knack for making everything taste delicious.  Tom's zest for life extended to his infectious sense of humor.  He was the life of the party, often taking to the dance floor to show off his signature move, the Worm.  He could always be counted on for a good story, a hearty laugh, and, most of all, a warm hug that made everyone feel cherished.  He also enjoyed flying and boating, holding a private pilot’s license and  a US Coast Guard captain’s license.  After retirement, Tom’s passion was building his own aerobatic airplane from scratch with his best friend at the New Castle Airport in Wilmington, DE.  In 2019, he and Kelly set out for the boating adventure of a lifetime, completing the 6,000-mile Great Loop boat trip aboard their own boat, circumnavigating the eastern U.S. and part of Canada.  After moving to Florida, he discovered his green thumb, and loved tending to his assortment of plants, especially his orchids.  Tom was a member of the American Legion and the Moose Lodge, where he was proud to be one of only two men who played Mahjongg on a weekly basis!

Tom is survived by his life partner, Kelly Root, of over twenty-one years, daughter Tara and her husband Craig Schobert, Grayslake, IL, and son Tim Joyce and his wife Laura, Chicago, IL.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Payton and Henry Schobert, Grayslake, IL, his brothers Terry Joyce, Englewood, FL and Ted Joyce, Coal City, IL, as well as his nephew Mason, Coal City, IL.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Lydia Friedman and his parents William and Helen Joyce.

In the spring, Tom will be laid to rest with his parents at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Stickney, IL.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation.