Thomas Richard Joyce

Thomas Richard Joyce, 96, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on October 22, 2022. Tom was born on August 15, 1926, in East Stroudsburg, PA to Marguerite Fairfield and Thomas Foley. He was later adopted and raised by his grandparents, Michael, and Mary Louise Joyce. He enlisted in U.S. Navy in 1944 at the age of 17 and served in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war, he completed the basic course of study at the U.S. Naval Submarine Academy, New London, CT.

Tom returned to Stroudsburg in 1947 after completing his term of service in the Navy and married his high school sweetheart, Freda Mae Siptroth. They had one daughter, Lana. They built a life together in Stroudsburg, where he formed his own masonry business, which he ran for 17 years. In 1964, he entered elected public service in Monroe County, PA. He served first as County Auditor, followed by three terms as County Treasurer and then served three terms as a County Commissioner, totaling over 24 years in public office. Tom never met a stranger. He had the heart of a servant, always trying to do the best for his family, friends, and community. In addition to his elected offices, he served in many volunteer roles with community, fraternal, and veterans’ organizations and was an active member of East Stroudsburg Baptist Church. Throughout his entire adult life, he was active in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and due to his service, he was bestowed the honor of 33rd Degree.

In 1994, Tom and Freda moved to Strom Thurmond Lake in Modoc Shores, SC to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law, Lana, and Daniel Rahn, and their three grandchildren: Jason, Rebecca, and Zachary. Although retired, he was a deacon in Modoc Baptist Church, a volunteer fireman, a member of their neighborhood association board, transported children to the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC, and volunteered as an election pole worker and in a consignment store in McCormick, SC.

Tom was preceded in death by two half-brothers, Keith and James Edinger, and by his beloved wife, Freda, who passed in April of 2022. They enjoyed 75 years of marriage and were true life partners. He is survived by his daughter: Lana (Dan) Rahn, his grandchildren: Jason (Marlie) Rahn, Rebecca (Scott) Vahrenwald, and Zachary Rahn, his great- grandchildren: Evelyn and Lydia Vahrenwald and Taylor Rahn and his nieces and nephews.

Tom was a genuinely good man with an unwavering Christian faith. He wished the best for everyone he met and considered himself fortunate to be able to serve the needs of others. He was the personification of doing the most good for everyone. He lived and loved each day to the fullest. He was a blessing to all who knew him. Tom will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The family wishes to extend a special heartfelt thanks to Agape Care Hospice and his wonderful caregivers who provided loving care during his final months.

Funeral services for family and close friends of Tom will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Modoc Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Modoc Baptist Church, PO Box 159, Modoc, SC 29838 or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Rd, Greenville SC 29605.

Thomas Poteet & Sons Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please Sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com .