I recently learned from a fellow co-worker that his father, a former Marine had passed away.

Capt. Robert Edmond Joyce returned to base on March 31st, 2009 after a long and hard fought illness took his life.

His wife, Lilyann Mataali Joyce, of 40 years, survives Capt. Joyce. He and his wife have (5) five children, (11) eleven grandchildren and (3) three great grandchildren.

Capt. Joyce served close to 22 years in the Marines. He started his career as a proud Private and worked his way up through the ranks. He served one tour on the east coast and the rest of his time was split between MCAF Santa Ana, MCAS El Toro, and Camp Pendleton here in California.

He talked fondly of his time in the Corps with his family and was proud of his three tours that he served in Viet Nam. His son Bill stated that all three tours were with HMM-361. His tour dates were 8 October 1963 through 7 March 1964---28 August 1965 through 15 September 1966 and 12 October 1968 through 23 October 1969.

Interment was at El Toro Memorial Park here in Southern California.

His son stated that Capt. Joyce will be missed by his family and all of his friends.