Edward E. Joy Sr., age 75, beloved husband of the late Virginia “Diane” (Sullivan) Joy died Thursday at Lowell General Hospital – Main Campus after a brief illness.
He was born in Boston, MA in May 15, 1951. He was the son of the late Ellis and Lila (Sutherland) Joy. He grew up in Cambridge before settling in Billerica 50 years ago.
Ed was an electrician who proudly served as a Staff Sargent in the Army National Guard for over twenty years, worked as a Billerica Firefighter for 30 years from 1984 – 2014, and was a very proud member of the Billerica Elks for 19 years where he was recently bestowed the title of Esteemed Loyal Knight.
Even after his retirement from the Billerica Fire Department, Ed continued to be very involved in the fire alarm and communications systems for the Town of Billerica.
He is survived by his son, Edward Joy Jr. and his wife Shauna of Nashua; his daughter Shannon Vessella and her husband Robert of Barre, MA; two brothers, Gary Joy of Citrus Hills, FL and Steven Joy of Beverly Hills, FL; one sister Judy Shelton of Beverly Hills, FL: four grandchildren, Lindsey Carlson and her husband Devin, Courtney Vessella and her fiancé Jarod Erickson, Ashley Vessella and Ryan Joy as well as three great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Oliver and Beau. He was the brother of the late Susan Arnone.
A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Rd., Billerica at 12 noon followed by a Celebration of Ed’s Life at the Billerica Lodge of Elks, 14 Webb Brook Rd., Billerica from 1 – 5 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited.
Upcoming Events
Graveside
22
Aug
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Celebration of Life
22
Aug
14 Webb Brook Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
