Michael Joyce

Michael A. Joyce, 76, of Hickory Ridge Drive, Amsterdam, NY; and Stuart, FL; passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at home with his loving family at his side after a short battle with cancer.

Born on December 28, 1937 in Pittsfield, MA; he was the son of the late William and Helen Palmer Joyce.

Michael was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School and the Amsterdam School of Commerce.

Michael started his court reporting career as a Hearing Reporter for the New York State Division of Parole.

He was with Parole Commissioner, Russell Oswald during the Attica Prison uprising negotiations. He also took the last parole Hearing for famous bank robber, Willie Sutton.

He was a Senior Court Reporter for the New York State Supreme Court, 4th Judicial District until his retirement in 1995. Following retirement from the New York State, he was still actively working in his own freelance business with his wife, Kathleen until the end of 2012.

Michael was a member of the Monsignor William A. Brown Knights of Columbus Council 209, Fourth Degree Knight and the Irish American Club, both in Amsterdam, NY.

Mike was also an avid runner and member of the Fulmont Road Runners club for several years. He completed the New York City Marathon twice and just about every other local road race before running was even popular. He enjoyed hunting with his friends at camp in Cooperstown and attending NY Yankee games.

On November 13, 1960 he married the former Kathleen A. Raco. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Michaela K. Joyce and his beloved grandson Brendan J. Joyce (Caitlyn) both of Amsterdam, three brothers, Sean (Kelly) and Walter of Tribes Hill, NY; Jeffrey of Arden, NC; and one sister, Rhoda Marcellino (Tom) of Amsterdam. Several nieces, nephews and cousins, one special cousin, Rosemary Joyce of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; one aunt, Rosemary Joyce of CT. Special friends Paul J. Bryant Sr., Dick & Pat, John L., Cush, Sally, Sam & Linda, Ellen & Rob, Flip, Pete & Ann, Joan & Maurice, Tim, and his hunting buddies Tom, Dick and Gil, also, Terry & Claire, Sheila & Susan, cousins Chickie & Walt Barden all of the state of Florida.

Mike was also predeceased by his son John J. Joyce, his brother Billy Joyce and his sister Katherine (Kitsy) Joyce.

At Michael’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral services.

Memorial gifts in Michael’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010; American Cancer Society Relay for Life/Team Scullys’ Angels, c/o Genevieve Ballerstien Thayler, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN., 38105 or the Regional Animal Shelter, 117 West Fulton St., Gloversville, NY 12078.

Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.