OKINAWA, JAPAN — November 6, 2009 — Robert J. Joyce, a longtime Department of Defense Education Activity Pacific employee, passed away Wednesday morning at Ryukyu University Hospital after a courageous cancer battle.

Mr. Joyce retired in 1992 from the United States Air Force as Chief Master Sergeant after 30 distinguished years in uniform. He continued his federal service as a customer service representative assigned to the DoDEA Pacific Personnel Division currently located at Torii Station in Sobe, Yomitan Village.

During his 12 year tenure at DoDEA, Mr. Joyce earned high praise and admiration from colleagues and customers alike. He provided exemplary customer support in every regard by routinely exceeding expectations. He frequently stayed late, worked weekends and even sacrificed the occasional holiday to ensure the well-being of grateful DoDEA teachers and support staff.

Mr. Joyce, 68, is survived by his wife Utako “Emi” Joyce. A private Japanese service was held on Thursday morning at Okinawa Sousaijo in Kurashiki, Okinawa City.