Submitted by: Dan Rich
Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, CSC
Jan. 26, 1917 - May 2, 2004
Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, CSC, passed away Sunday morning, May 2, in Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. Father Joyce had been living at Holy Cross House since suffering a stroke in September of 2003. Father Joyce was born in Tela, Honduras on Jan. 26, 1917 of American parents, the late Edmund P. and Genevieve (Block) Joyce. Because of World War I, his family spent only one month there before moving to Spartanburg, S.C., where he received his schooling.
In 1933 he entered the University of Notre Dame and graduated four years later with a B.S. degree in accounting. Father Joyce has the distinction of being the first student from South Carolina to graduate from Notre Dame. After working as a CPA, Father Joyce joined the Congregation of Holy Cross and entered St. Joseph's Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, Ind., in 1942. After first profession in August 1943, he returned to Moreau Seminary for two years of study prior to entering Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C.
After ordination, June 8, 1949 in Sacred Heart Church, Father Joyce spent the summer working at Sacred Heart Parish in New Orleans before reporting to Notre Dame in September. He taught religion and assisted Father John Burke in the business office. After a year of study in Oxford, England he was called back to Notre Dame and when Father Ted Hesburgh became president, Father Joyce was asked to serve as executive vice president, a job he was to have for 35 years.
Under Father Joyce's careful financial guidance, Notre Dame built many buildings and academic programs. He served as chairman of the faculty board of athletics as well as chairman or member of many other University boards. He has held appointments on advisory boards at the U.S. Air Force and Naval Academies and has been a recipient of the Air Force Exceptional Service Medal.
Many and varied are the awards Father Joyce has received. He was an extremely talented and capable man. Throughout his life he was faithful and dedicated to his church, his religious community, his priesthood and to Notre Dame. Paired with his great friend, Father Hesburgh, these two men set the University of Notre Dame on a path to greatness. Father Joyce is survived by his brother, James Lyle Joyce of Paris, France; and by many nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held for Father Joyce in Our Lady's Chapel (within the Basilica of the Sacred Heart), Notre Dame, on Tuesday, May 4 from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., with a Wake Service in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, May 5 at 3:30 p.m. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.