B. Joyce Pirolo
June 3, 1932 - February 6, 2025
Obituary
Beverly Joyce Pirolo, 92, passed away Feb. 6, 2025, in Tacoma. She was born June 3, 1932, in Boise, ID, to Stanley and Mary Compton. After the family moved to Seattle, they welcomed her baby brother, Ronald. Joyce graduated from Franklin High School and spent the rest of her life in the greater Seattle area. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert A. Pirolo, on Nov. 24, 1950, and they raised their family in Des Moines.
Joyce embraced motherhood and was active in her children’s lives, volunteering at school and attending their many games and programs. She demonstrated her love for family and friends as a wonderful hostess, making delicious holiday meals and keeping a lovely home. She and Bob enjoyed traveling with trips including Italy, a Panama Canal cruise, Mexico and spring training in Arizona. A longtime antique doll collector, she brought great joy to hundreds of children and adults by painstakingly restoring their broken dolls at her doll hospital. She was an active member of the Cascade Doll Club and was a judge at doll conventions that took place throughout the United States. Joyce also appreciated a good cup of tea, antiques, and the history of Seattle. She was a longtime member of St. Philomena Catholic Church.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ron, husband Bob and youngest child, Denise. She leaves sons Rob Pirolo (Diane) and Greg Pirolo (Pam), daughter Pam Friscioni (Tony) and son-in-law Jeff Johnson; grandchildren Ondreya, Alex, Doriana, Francesca, Dana, Angela, Allison and Tonino; great-grandchildren Gracie, Savannah, Colton, Gloria, Oscar, Selina, Landon, Bianca, Liam, Olivia, Nico and Marcus; sister-in-law Kathy Compton; several nieces and nephews, and beloved friends.
Funeral mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, 1790 S. 222nd St., Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
The world and community are a bit less joyful today with the sad news and passing of Joyce. Her and Bob were dear friends of my family for more than seven decades. Throughout those years our families shared many happy memories and experiences.
For me personally, Bob and Joyce, were my devoted Godparents. Throughout my life they supported me with kindness and care. Bob and I shared the same birthday which I always thought was unique and special. As Godparents they were always a part of my life and even made sure I received a birthday gift on our shared special day.
I always loved and appreciated their dedication and interest in my life. An interest that never diminished and only grew as I got married and had a family of my own. After Bob passed I wanted to return that dedication as best I could. I began calling Joyce specifically on November 18 (Bob and I’s birthday) in order for Joyce to have someone to say “happy birthday” to as she had for decades prior to Bob’s passing. It was done a little as a joke but mostly to show my respect and love for their dedication to me for my sixty years of life.
Now that they both have passed, the world, the community and my life are both saddened and less joyful on a daily basis. I will miss them both but will always remember how lucky I was to have them in my life.
Bob was a larger than life, boisterous, happy man with a large personality. He always brought a smile to my face. Joyce was always a well dressed, prim and proper women with a kind personality and soft touch. She was a kin to a second mother for me.
I will always remember them both with kindness and love. I will forever speak of them for their friendship and dedication to my life. May they both Rest In Peace knowing that they left a positive impact in my life.
I thank them both for all they did and continue to deliver for me, family and friends. Our condolences to the family as you work through this difficult time. They will be missed but never forgotten. ❤️❤️
Joyce was my across-the- hall neighbor at my condo for 13 years. We developed a close friendship over the years & she embraced me into her wonderful Pirolo family. We saw each other nearly every day ( when I was home). We had afternoon coffee or tea, great conversations, often praying about families & their lives. Not to forget Saturday afternoon Happy hour!Joyce never missed my birthday, always planning a special lunch or the perfect gift.We both felt so blessed to be neighbors and share our lives together.
Joyce loved her family and family meant everything to her. She adored the new little ones & managed to keep up with all the great grands, grand children, children ; their lives & what was important to each one. I too loved hearing about each of you.
Joyce, I’ll so miss you but also know you’re in the splendor of heaven, with Bob. God be with until we meet again, my neighbor & friend. 💗
Losing a mother is one of life’s greatest sorrows. My whole family was saddened to hear the news of Joyce’s passing. She created many lovely memories for us, especially during the holiday season. We send our most sincere condolences.
Joanie
Larry and Shirley, Cooper, Easton
Bryce
Dolores Anthony
We were family friends for over 60 plus years ! Joyce’s mother was best friends with my mom “Eva Barnard”. Her mom and dad all worked for the airlines with my Dad. I loved Joyce and Robert and all the wonderful family . I will miss forever her happy voice and seeing her over the many fun years. Joyce was a outstanding loving lady who adored and deeply loved her familyand her church . She had a wonderful life and had so much joy celebrating life events with her family and all the friends. I feel so blessed to have had so many laughs and also being there for each other during times of loss. God has been given truly a beautiful angel. I will miss her forever! Joyce loved her family with such Pride and Joy! Love always 💖 Berdina