Patrick M. Joyce, Longtime Long Branch Detective, Dies At 66

Courtesy of Wooley-Boglioli Funeral Home

Patrick M. Joyce of Long Branch, a retired lieutenant in the Long Branch Police Department, died on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. He was 66.

Pat was born in Germany, and came to Long Branch as an infant. He graduated from Long Branch High School in 1969. At Long Branch High School, Pat started his band the "Cherubs" which he continued to lead until six years ago. The Cherubs became a staple of Jersey Shore bands. For many years, they appeared regularly at the Column in Avon, and Squires Pub in West Long Branch. Pat led the band playing at countless weddings, firehouses for New Year's Day reorganizations, the car show in West End and many other events. Pat had a love for music, singing and entertaining.

For many years, Pat was a member of the Holiday Express and donated his time and talent with others to bring the joy of the Christmas season to those less fortunate. He retired from Holiday Express in 2011.

Following his graduation from Long Branch High School, Pat joined the Long Branch Police Department in 1972. Pat was promoted to sergeant in 1983 and lieutenant in 1989. He retired in 2002, after a long successful career as lieutenant, where he was in charge of the detective bureau from 1995 to his retirement.

He was a member of Long Branch Elks #742, after his retirement he enjoyed tending bar. Pat enjoyed working for Long Branch Seniors driving his ladies around town.

Pat had many great times golfing with his friends. They would take many trips to Florida and Myrtle Beach.

His granddaughters were his life. He loved to relax with them and his Nancy and children by the pool. He enjoyed reading mystery books and true crime.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Irmtraut and Patrick Joyce; his brother Peter and his longtime friend and partner John O'Connor.

Pat is survived by his wife, Nancy DeVito Joyce; their children Patrick and Melissa Joyce, West Long Branch and Lauren and her husband Michael Oldenboom, Long Branch.; his granddaughters, Julianna and Emily; his mother-in-law, Rosemary DeVito, West Long Branch; sisters-in-law and their husbands, Patti and Joe Afflito, West Long Branch, Kathy and Michael Pompei, West Long Branch and Barbara and Michael White, Myrtle Beach, SC.

A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. A Long Branch PBA service officiated by Monsignor Lowery will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Pat may be made to Long Branch PBA Local #10, c/o Long Branch Police Department, 344 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740. To share a favorite memory or to send a message of condolence, please visit Pat's page of tributes at www.woolleyboglioli.com.