R.I.P. Firefighter Patrick Joyce: 1970 - 2009

We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of firefighter Patrick Joyce.
Our condolences go out to his family, including his wife Tara and daughters Isabella and Charlote, as well as his brothers Martin and Peter, sisters Deborah, Julianne and Katie, and his parents. He was a sixteen year veteran of the Yonkers Fire Department, and died in the line of duty Friday morning, in what turns out was a case of arson.

Patrick was a friend and supporter of MurphGuide.com. We met him through his involvement with the Eighth Ave. bars Social, Latitude, & Smith's (and previously, Kanvas & Bliss). He was also involved with the United Restaurant & Tavern Owners of New York (UR&TO), where we would see him at their annual dinners and golf outings. Whenever I would see him, we would talk about our mutual interest in Irish music. We were both fans of Celtic Cross, the band that played at both of our weddings. And Patrick was instrumental in helping organize the Saw Doctors CD release party that we held at Social.

Thanks for being a friend, Pat, and rest in peace.

The wake is at McGrath and Son's:
20 Cedar St.
Bronxville, NY
(914) 337-6770
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2 to 6pm and
Monday, October 5, 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm.

Funeral mass: 9:45am on Tuesday October 6, 2009
at St. Margaret's of Cortona Church, Riverdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House.

Memorial Website:
memorialwebsites.legacy.com/patjoyce

News links:
NY firefighter killed battling blaze (NY Post)
Man held in blaze that killed firefighter (LoHud.com)