Frank Robert Joy, 70, formerly of Norfolk

NORFOLK -- Frank Robert Joy, a family man, craftsman and long-time resident of Lafayette, IN and formerly Norfolk, NY passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Frank was born in Rome, NY on May 17, 1953, the son of Edward Frank and Ethel Elford Joy.

He graduated from Norwood-Norfolk Central High School, Class of 1972.

Frank began his career at Alcoa shortly after high school, where he worked for 32 Years in the Maintenance and Machine Shop in both Massena, NY and Lafayette, IN operations. He retired from Alcoa in 2005.

Frank was an extremely talented master craftsman and amongst all of his projects, he was especially proud of the home that he built for his family in New York, his workshop that he designed and built in his home in Indiana, and the restaurant and bar he helped his nephew construct in New York.

Woodworking was truly an art for him, and his family cherishes the pieces he gifted them over the years.

After retiring from Alcoa, he enjoyed doing small home remodel jobs and was very fulfilled when he achieved his customers’ desires. He loved sharing his knowledge of this craft and most recently found himself frequently FaceTiming his daughter, coaching her through her own home projects.

Frank has had a lifelong passion for outdoor activities including hunting, which he used to enjoy with his brother and close family friends. He took a hunting trip of a lifetime to Colorado and shared many stories over the years from his trip.

In addition to hunting, Frank also enjoyed the Adirondack Mountains, camping with his family and friends at Cranberry Lake, NY, watching his kids play hockey, and restoring a GMC pickup truck that he later gave to his eldest son.

Frank loved his Harley Davidson and took solace in his rides. He did not think twice about jumping on his Harley and riding cross country. Frank went to many motorcycle rallies over the years and would keep in touch with the friends he made along his journeys.

Frank loved watching Purdue Basketball games with his wife and their dog, Sloan.

Amongst all his hobbies, he had a love for people and finding a connection with them.

He was very proud of his children and family and was the happiest when he was spending time with them or talking about them and sharing their accomplishments.

Frank would always greet you with the biggest smile on his face and had dimples that would light up a room. His love for people and connection brought him to be an active member of several of the Military Veterans clubs.

Although Frank himself was not a Veteran, he took great pride in the service of his parents, who met and served in World War II. His mother was a Telephone Operator in the British Armed Forces, while his father served as a US Army Soldier.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Connie, Lafayette, IN; son, Frank and Erin Joy, Wilmington, NC; daughter, Heather Joy and partner, AJ Brown, Windham, NH; son, Jonathan and Skye Joy, Fort Wayne, IN; stepdaughter, Jordan and Anthony Bonfitto Lafayette, IN; stepdaughter, Jimi and Robin Davis, Pagosa Springs, CO; and his beloved grandchildren, Madison, Kathryn, Kai, Cole, Cade, Hudson, Addison, Scarlet, Natalie and Josephine; his brother-in-law, Albert Chilton, Massena, NY; sister-in-law, Ilona Joy, Norfolk, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Frank was pre-deceased by his parents, a sister, Phyllis Chilton, a brother, Robert Joy, and twin daughters, Anne and Marie Joy.

Celebrations of his life will be held in Indiana and New York later this spring.