Thomas Joyce
Retired Engineer and Computer Technology Pioneer
Thomas F. “Tom” Joyce passed away on June 29 following a brief illness. The longtime Westford resident, who previously lived in Chelsea, was 77. He had been a U.S. Air Force veteran and the beloved husband of Caroline (Witkowski) Joyce, with whom he would have marked 56 years of marriage this October.
Born August 16, 1935, in Boston, Mr. Joyce was the son of the late Thomas A. and Genevieve (Gleason) Joyce of Chelsea. He attended Chelsea High School, graduating with the Class of 1953, and continued his studies at Boston University, where he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Science. He later completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, from Northeastern University.
On November 20, 1956, Mr. Joyce entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Senior Airman, First Class with the 1st Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and received an honorable discharge on November 19, 1962.
Following his military service, Mr. Joyce joined Honeywell as an Engineer. Over his distinguished career, he developed 35 US Patents in computer science and made pioneering contributions to technology, including advancements in the Pentium Processor that continue to be integral to most computers in use today. He received the prestigious H. W. Sweatt Award twice, Honeywell’s highest recognition for outstanding ability and contributions, given to only the top .3% of scientists and engineers. His patents led to numerous product successes for companies including NEC, Intel, Honeywell, Bull, and RPX.
Tom was passionate about music, electronics, and gadgets. Beyond his professional achievements and awards, he treasured time with family and friends, particularly during holidays and moments spent with his grandchildren. Known for his wonderful voice, he would spontaneously sing to his wife. He was a devout communicant of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Westford.
Besides his wife Caroline, he leaves three sons: James A. Joyce and his fiancée Alane C. Zuppa of Arlington, Thomas S. Joyce of Washington D.C., and Brian E. Joyce and his fiancée Debbie Walton of Lunenburg; two daughters, Barbara A. Joyce of Fitchburg and Eileen M. Joyce of Westford; six grandchildren: Michelle M. Gallant and her fiancé Matthew Anderson of Maynard, Jessica L. Gallant of Fitchburg, James A. Joyce and Jason A. Joyce of Somerville, Justin A. Joyce of Lowell, and Jared A. Joyce of Arlington; one great-granddaughter, Stella C. Anderson; two sisters, Priscilla Burke and Elizabeth Joyce of Chelsea; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers George F. Joyce and John G. Welch.
Friends gathered at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 107 North Main St., Westford, on Tuesday, July 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. His Funeral Mass took place at St. Catherine Church on Wednesday, July 3 at 10 a.m., followed by interment with Military Honors in St. Catherine Cemetery. The MORSE-BAYLISS Funeral Home in Lowell, under the direction of Funeral Directors Frederick W. Healy and Walter F. Bayliss, Jr., handled arrangements.
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Frank Holland
Retired Postal Employee, served in both US Army and US Air Force
Frank E. Holland, a longtime Chelsea resident, died peacefully at home on June 27 at the age of 77. Born in Everett, he was the son of Frederick and Gertrude (Rogers) Holland. He completed his education at local Chelsea schools and subsequently enlisted in the US Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he re-enlisted in the US Air Force and later served again in the US Army.
Mr. Holland spent many years working as a mail clerk for the U.S. Postal Service at the South Boston Postal Annex before retiring. He held membership in the American Postal Workers Union and was known as a caring individual who enjoyed sports and caring for the birds and cats in his neighborhood.
He is survived by his dear sister Grace Janiak and her husband Michael of Salem; his cherished nieces and nephews including Debra Zelano and her husband Carlo of Beverly, Susan O’Hearn and her husband Frank of Tewksbury, Linda McLaughlin and her husband Scott of Salem, and Kristen Taglieri and her husband David of Peabody, as well as seven great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Gertrude (Rogers) Holland.
In accordance with Frank’s wishes, private funeral services were held. The Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home managed the arrangements.
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Robert Suszynski
Retired Truck Driver
Robert M. Suszynski of Manchester, NH, formerly of Chelsea, died Wednesday morning at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH. He was 57 years old and had courageously battled diabetes for the past 20 years.
A Chelsea native, Mr. Suszynski was the son of the late John and Helen T. (Bobrycki) Suszynski. He attended Chelsea Schools and graduated with Chelsea High School’s Class of 1973. His career included work as a truck driver for Kayem Foods and various produce companies, and earlier employment at the shipyards in Charlestown and East Boston as a Chipper/Painter.
Medically disabled for the past 20 years, he lived in Rochester for an extended period with his beloved companion Pamela Neilson before relocating to Manchester eight years ago. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his dear friend Pamela and his brothers Joseph and John J. Suszynski. He is survived by his sister Catherine Lava and her husband Kenneth, his brother Richard, and his cherished niece Lisa Walsh, all of Chelsea. Robbie maintained many friendships throughout his life; those friends know who they are and knew he considered them as his brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be announced later. Those wishing to honor his memory may make contributions to the American Diabetes Assoc., PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or visit www.Donations.diabetes.org. To express condolences, please visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com