Martin S. Joyce, Jr Obituary (1929 - 2013)

PORTLAND - Martin S. Joyce, Jr., of Portland, died Monday October 14, 2013 at Maine Medical Center. Martin was born in Portland on August 5, 1929 a son of Martin S. and Bridget D. Herward Joyce, Sr. He spent his entire life on Munjoy Hill and lived in his latest residence on Melbourne Street since he was 14 years old. He attended local schools and was a 1947 graduate of Portland High School. Inspired by a desire to help others, Martin began his career in law enforcement in 1955 when he joined the Portland Police Department. He retired as head of detectives in 1976. Working at the police department, Martin met his future wife Muriel Drisko who served as secretary for five police chiefs. They married on October 9, 1976 after a 10 year courtship. Following his retirement with the Portland Police Department, Martin accepted a position as a court officer. He held the position until Gov. Joseph Brennan appointed him to fill the vacant position as Cumberland County Sherriff in 1977. Martin successfully ran for this position several more times serving as Sheriff for 13 years. Throughout his career Martin used his positions to help the less fortunate and downtrodden. As Sheriff, he implemented inmate education and work furlough programs. He also created Joyce's Shelter by opening the Cumberland County gym to homeless individuals each evening. After retirement he continued to help others and worked tirelessly for the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen for over twenty years. He was an active lifelong communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He was also an active member of the Munjoy Hill Association and the Irish Heritage Center. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Muriel in June 1996 and a sister Elizabeth Keniston in April 2013. Martin is survived by a brother Thomas F. Joyce of Portland; 6 nephews, Martin C. Keniston, Richard L. Keniston, Jr., Thomas F. Keniston, Joseph P. Keniston, Peter S. Keniston, Patrick J. Keniston; a niece, Ann E. Keniston; 5 grand nephews and 6 grand nieces. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited 9:15 a.m. Friday at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Donations in Martin's memory should be made to St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, 307 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101.Online condolences may be expressed below.