Lawrence "Larry" James Joyce, of Wauwatosa, WI, passed away at John Muir Medical Center in Concord, CA, on January 13, 2026, at the age of 78.

Larry was born in South Dakota on January 11, 1948, to Gerald Joyce and Margaret M. Joyce (née Coyle). He attended Brookfield Central High School and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he earned a degree in English. He worked for Milwaukee County as a social worker, and later served as a counselor in the prison system, until he retired. He believed deeply that everyone deserved dignity and a second chance, and he gave his time and care to others freely, never asking for anything in return.

A lifelong reader and lover of words who once dreamed of becoming a writer and privately wrote many poems, Larry also enjoyed crossword puzzles, telling "dad" and "grandpa" jokes and rooting for his home-state Packers, Brewers and Bucks — but most of all, he treasured time with his family.

He was proud of his political activism in the late 1960s and 1970s, including marches in Washington, D.C. He also loved telling stories from his fraternity days and his trip to Woodstock.

Larry is survived by his son, Michael Joyce (and partner Cheryl Layug); his grandchildren, Aidan Gelles, Kiernan Joyce, Halen Joyce and Poppy Joyce; his siblings, Chuck, Jeff, Pat and Joan; and his sister-in-law Theresa Brannan and brother-in-law John Brannan. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathryn Brannan; his daughter, Lauren Joyce; and his parents, Gerald Joyce and Margaret M. Joyce (née Coyle).

Per Larry's request, a small, private burial will be held at Highland Memorial Park, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife and parents, and loved ones will gather to share a few words and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry's memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or a Parkinson's research foundation such as The Michael J. Fox Foundation.