Robert S. Joy

Colonel Robert S. Joy, US Army Retired Long-time Longmont, Colorado resident, Robert S. Joy, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home, surrounded by his family, on March 2, 2015. He was born on November 25, 1928, at home, an hour before his identical twin, Michael, in Newark, NJ. He grew up in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, attending Lyndhurst High School, and later graduating from Seton Hall University, a Biology major, in 1950. In 1950, he and his twin brother were drafted into the US Army, on the same day. He married Inez (nee) DeGaetano at Fort Dix, NJ on April 7, 1951, and was subsequently drafted into the Korean War. Mr. Joy also served his country in two tours of duty in Vietnam. He commanded thirty thousand troops during his last tour. He twice worked for NATO, stationed in France, Holland, and Germany. He worked alongside the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while at the Pentagon for 3 years and then worked for the National Security Agency. His military career spanned 30 years, retiring in 1980. He led a distinguished career and among his many merits, awards and medals, he was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service. Affectionately known to his many friends and family members as ""Bob"" or ""The Colonel,"" he was an avid home improvement specialist. He constantly aided his children, grandchildren, friends or anyone with any project at hand. He could frequently be found with a toolbox and roll of duct tape in hand, with a solution for everything, and an order as to how the job should get done! He will be remembered with pride by his family and country for having served as a brave soldier and Officer, instilled with the values of duty, honor, courage and respect. May our beloved father rest well in God's embrace so richly deserved, for his work on earth is done. A true hero to his family and country, he will be sadly missed by all, while lovingly remaining in our hearts forever. Colonel Joy is predeceased by his parents, Michael Joy and Mary (nee) Shenocca Joy. He is survived by his brothers, twin, Michael E. Joy formerly of Lyndhurst NJ and Ronald Joy and Judy Heinsoln of Rutherford, NJ and cousin Norma DeFuria, of Melborne, Fl. Also survived by his five children; Donna Waters, Maui, HI, Robert and Michele Joy, Granite Bay, CA, James and Diana Joy, Phx., AZ, Christina Joy and Gurio Vincenti, Punta Gorda, Fl and Mary Rose Joy and Louis Smith, Denver, CO. In addition, he is survived by his five grandchildren; Taylor and Ryan Joy, Amber Smith, Carla and Sara Joy; four great grandchildren; Lilliana and Emeri Wiston, Christian Olague and newborn, Michael Daruis Joy, born on Valentine's day; and numerous extended family and friends. Visitation Friday, March 6, 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM, with Celebration of Life Service to follow at 5:00 PM at Horan & McConaty, 11150 E Dartmouth Ave, Aurora. A dinner reception will immediately follow the service. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors in the Spring. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org. Please share your memories of Bob by selecting the Guestbook link below.