Robert “Bobby” Joyce

To view slideshow tribute please click Celebration of Bobby’s life. 

Robert A. “Bobby” Joyce Sr., age 75, born August 27, 1947, of Frankfort, IL formerly of Steger, IL passed away peacefully on February 17, 2023. He is loved by his wife of 41 years, Teresa (Wold), children Robert Jr & Valerie Joyce, Amy & Steve Herr and Megan & Tony Kuraja. His pride and joy were his eight grandchildren; Nicholas, Alison, Cooper, James, Anna, Kasey, Emma, and Abigail. His incredible life was possible from the beginning because of his incredible parents Elmer & Eleanor Joyce who left us way too soon and his siblings Elmer & Carole Joyce, Charles & Jerilyn Joyce, Kathleen & Giulio Scartozzi and William Joyce. His other siblings by marriage loved him unconditionally; Bill & Carol Wold, Rich & Deb Wold, Bob & Donna Wold, Tom & Lori Wold, Mary & Tim Peters and BFAM Eddie & Debbie Jasinski. Bob’s mother and father-in-law, Gene & Rita Wold, who went before, loved him like their own, and now he will meet his brother-in-law Eugene Wold. Bobby was blessed  with so many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, too many to count. They say your wealth is measured by the number of friends you have. He was the wealthiest man alive!

He graduated Bloom Township High School, Class of ’65. He was the Co-Owner of Weichert Realtors, The Home Team in Tinley Park, IL, and retired from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) after 34 years in 2007. He held several positions in the Commercial Division starting as a Draftsman in the Harvey, IL Office. He was a Union official starting as a Steward in IBEW Local 1540 also held positions as Vice-President, President, and System Council U-25 Secretary / Treasurer. In 1994, IBEW Local 15 was chartered as the exclusive bargaining representative for employees of Commonwealth Edison in which Bobby held an Executive position and a position of Business Representative. In 1995, he was elected Vice President, Sr. Business Manager, and became President in 2001 until his retirement in 2007. Bobby worked with both union and management officials on several contract negotiations and memorandums during his time as a Union Executive and was very proud to represent all IBEW Members. He loved the IBEW, Commonwealth Edison, and his colleagues he worked with throughout his career (many of whom remain his dearest friends). Bobby was involved with local politics in his hometown of Steger, IL as a Village Trustee and long-time member of the Steger Recreational Board (many remember his 110% award speeches where tissues were needed). He loved Steger, its citizens and was always an advocate for all youth. In 1985 he was the “Citizen of the Year” which was the highest honor in the Village of Steger.

Bobby contracted polio at the age of 4 and lost the use of his legs, but his parents never let that be an excuse and pushed him to “suck it up” as he would say and work harder instead of feel sorry for himself. He was a poster child for the March of Dimes. At Commonwealth Edison, he led several Crusade Of Mercy (now the United Way) campaigns as Chairman. Bobby had a 55 year coaching career in youth and high school baseball and basketball.  He coached Steger Little League, Pony, Babe Ruth, American Legion, and College Summer League Teams to many championships, coached Steger Recreational Basketball, winning South Suburban and Wilco Championships.  He finished his coaching career at Bloom Township coaching Varsity Girls Basketball, first with Marc Lopez and his final years with Ron Newquist. Bobby was a master motivator who was able to get the best out of each of the athletes that played for him, and anyone else who was lucky enough to be helped by him. He loved all things University of Illinois and Chief Illiniwek and was a lifelong Die-Hard Chicago Cubs Fan. He loved his family, friends, athletes, and the community. He lived an extraordinary life and should be remembered as a man who never quit, always gave 110% and made the world a better place for everyone who crossed his path.

Gathering of family and friends will be held at the Louis Sherman Community Center, 3501 Hopkins St., Steger, IL on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until time of Celebration of Life Service at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given by clicking: United Way of Will County, 54 N. Ottawa St., Suite 300, Joliet, IL 60432 are appreciated.

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