A crowd of friends and officials gathered at South Boston’s Marine Park on October 14 for a ceremony to rename the playground in memory of Michael Joyce, who was remembered as “an unsung hero” by admirers. Joyce, who died in 1989 at age 65, was an administrative assistant with the Massachusetts House of Representatives for more than 20 years. He was known for his tireless efforts in guiding new immigrants and others through bureaucratic mazes.

One of the most respected members of Boston's Irish community, Mr. Joyce received numerous awards and honors. University College in Galway, Ireland, honored him with a Man of the Year nomination, and when the Greater Boston Irish Community saluted him on Michael Joyce Appreciation Day in May 1987, more than 1,100 people attended. In 2009, State Senator Jack Hart filed legislation to rename the state’s Marine Park Playground in honor of Mr. Joyce.

“Mr. Joyce was an unsung hero at the State House because of his constant advocacy for those who could not advocate for themselves,” said State Senator Jack Hart. “It is a wonderful tribute to his life to name this playground in his honor. It is also wonderful to see that our community will benefit with a newly renovated play ground because of this great man.”

“Michael Joyce was a dedicated public servant loved and respected by those he worked with and those he worked for,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “Naming this playground in his honor is a fitting tribute for a man who loved this neighborhood and all the families who lived here.”

The dedication ceremony featured a brief speaking program, with Senator Hart, Commissioner Sullivan, Massachusetts State Representative Brian Wallace, and members of Mr. Joyce’s family. The playground is at the southern end of Marine Park on William J. Day Boulevard in South Boston.