[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 164 (Thursday, November 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF TERRY JOYCE, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 5, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Terry ``Kelly'' Joyce, Sr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, 
friend and staunch labor advocate, whose commitment to family, to his 
Irish heritage and to the workers of Cleveland has left an indelible 
imprint throughout our community.
  Born and raised in County Mayo, Ireland, Mr. Joyce immigrated to 
America in 1957 and settled in Cleveland. A year later, he met his 
wife, Bridget ``Bridie'' Jennings, whose journey to America also 
originated in County Mayo. They married in 1964 and raised three 
children, Maureen, Eileen and Terry. Mr. Joyce's wife, children and 
grandchildren were the center and spark of his life--and he remained 
actively involved in their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Joyce held their Irish 
homeland close to their hearts, and regularly celebrated treasured 
customs and traditions for their children and grandchildren to know and 
cherish. They travelled often from Cleveland to the Emerald Isle, and 
their strong connection to their heritage reflected throughout our 
community. Mr. Joyce was named the Irish Fellowship Man of the Year in 
1974, and helped found the Irish National Caucus in Cleveland, serving 
as its president in 1971. He also served on the board of the West Side 
Irish American Club (WSIA) for many years, and was named the WSIA Man 
of the Year in 1978. In 1991, he served as co-chair of the Cleveland 
St. Patrick's Day Parade, and served as parade announcer for twenty-
four years.
  Mr. Joyce lived his life with heart, compassion, integrity, a great 
sense of humor and an unwavering work ethic. He mastered the 
construction trades and became a union member and leader. In 1957, the 
same year he settled in America, Mr. Joyce joined Cleveland's Laborers 
Local 310. From 1965 until his retirement in 1991, he served as Local 
310's business agent. Mr. Joyce also served as president of the Ohio 
Labor District Council from 1975 until his retirement in 1991. During 
his tenure as labor leader, he worked tirelessly on behalf of workers 
and their families. Mr. Joyce was responsible for major advances in the 
labor force, including the attainment of critical benefits, including 
pensions, for union workers. Because of his leadership, Laborers Local 
310 of Cleveland grew to become one of the most effective labor unions 
in the country.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and remembrance of Terry 
``Kelly'' Joyce, Sr., whose energy for life, kind heart, and unwavering 
service to others will forever endure within the hearts and memories of 
his family, friends and the laborers of our community. I extend my 
condolences to Mr. Joyce's wife, Bridget; to his children, Maureen, 
Eileen and Terry; to his son-in-law John and daughter-in-law Nicole; to 
his grandchildren, Brona, Eoin, Cormac and Aislinn; sister, Grace; and 
to his extended family members and numerous friends. From family and 
friends to County and Cleveland Mayor, Mr. Joyce's love of life and 
service to others will continue to touch the hearts of many, and he 
will be remembered always.

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