Ashton Funeral Home

Obituaries

Matthew R. Joyce

May 23, 2021

Matthew R. Joyce

Matthew Robert “Big Matt” Joyce, 64, of Easton, PA died Sunday, May 23, 2021, surrounded by his family, at the home of his daughter. Born February 9, 1957 in Phillipsburg, NJ he was a son of Lucy (Matthews) Joyce and the late John Joyce, Sr. His wife, Catherine (Collazo) Joyce died in May of 2018. A graduate of Delbarton High School and Kings College, he was a member of the Steam Fitters Union, Local 475. Matt was also a member of numerous social clubs including Liberty Hose, Old Democratic Club and Little Palmer Vol. Fire Co.

He is survived by his mother; his daughters: Jessica Joyce (fiancé Kevin McNally) with whom he’s been residing in W. Easton, PA, Jacqueline Gonzalez (husband Dilman) of Forks Twp., PA; brothers: John and Timothy; sisters: Cecelia, Julie, Lucy; 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine and son: Joshua Leighton.

Visitation will be held 2 to 4 PM Wednesday (May 26) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o of the Ashton Funeral Home. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

13 condolences. Notify me of additional condolences.

  1. Trisha Rowe

    May 24, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    Sending you all love and strength in this time of loss

  2. Cecilia Joyce Manriquez

    May 24, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    So sorry Jess and Jacquie, I will miss my little brother dearly. Love to you both Aunt Ceil

  3. Margaret Joyce Petersen

    May 24, 2021 at 7:46 pm

    God bless you all my Cousins. Matt was always sweet to me, even when we were little kids and I was chasing him (which his long legs prevented me from catching him). Love and prayers for all of us. Love, Margaret

  4. Christopher Sakos

    May 24, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    To all of Matt’s family-I’m so sorry to see Matt has passed away so soon. I worked with Matt several times, and, he was always a nice, fun, guy to work with. May he rest in in peace. —Sincerly, Chris Sakos L.U. 475, Retired.

  5. Patricia Joyce O’Brien

    May 25, 2021 at 4:34 am

    To all the Joyces’
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Let the wonderful memories of Matt sustain you through this difficult time, and may God help you find comfort knowing Matt has been reunited with Cathy and all those who have gone before him. ❤️Trish & Jim

  6. Bruce DeHart

    May 25, 2021 at 9:28 am

    Always a guy with a quick easy smile. Worked with Matt on a few union jobs. Bumped elbows with him at the Liberty. Rest easy Matt

  7. Tracy (Guinta) Davis

    May 25, 2021 at 10:18 am

    My deepest heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family . You are in my prayers .

  8. Bill Shook

    May 25, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    remembering all the numerous good times from grade school, going horse back riding, swimming, hiking all on their property in Stewartsville the good old days gone by, GOD BLESS THE WHOLE JOYCE FAMILY FOR YOUR LOSS, SINCERELY BILL SHOOK.

  9. Kelly Ayers/Beers

    May 25, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss, he was such a wonderful man & fun to be around.
    🙏🏻My thoughts & prayers go out to the entire family🙏🏻

  10. Jack Riddle

    May 25, 2021 at 5:14 pm

    Will always remember fondly a summer picnic party that I attended at Glendalough. I think it was 1975…great food, PBR,…came with Joe Eckel. Always fun with Matt, Johnny, Goldie and the rest … Rest in peace Matt… My condolences to the entire family..
    Jack Riddle

  11. John Stewart

    May 25, 2021 at 5:55 pm

    Fishing at the river/ Drinks at the Club Great Dude Good Heart RIP GOD BLESS STU

  12. Kevin McNally

    May 25, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    Matt my father in law I wanna thank you for being Kade and Kailyn’s grandfather as if they were your own blood. All of your grandkids adored you. Thank you for for many many good times. I sure am gonna miss you at the house for gatherings and your phone calls to see if I wanted to throw a few back with you. Your presence was big and your smile contagious. You were a true definition of a GENTLE GIANT. Your compassion and love you had not only for your family but your friends as well was immeasurable. I hope you got to meet my dad and sister as you made your way through those pearly gates. I’d like to thank you for your beautiful daughter Jessica but most of all for you just being YOU. Matt until that day comes keep a seat saved for me. I’m missing you dearly and I love you with every fiber of my being. REST EASY BIG MATT

  13. Ken Kobler

    May 26, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    To the Joyce Family my heartfelt sympathy in your loss. I have vivid memories of Matt, Lucy, and Tim from when they were my students. Carrying you in my thoughts and prayers.