Joyce L. Burgo, 71, Portsmouth

Posted

Joyce L. Burgo, age 71, of Portsmouth, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021 at her residence after a long illness. Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Harold C. and Beulah J. “Babs” (Spence) Burgo.

A graduate of Portsmouth High School, Class 1968, where she was named most athletic and musical. She received her Bachelor of Arts and minored in music from URI. While at URI, she was a proud member of “that URI RAM band.” She worked at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center as a Lab Manager. After retirement, she devoted her time caring for her Mother and her Aunt. 

Joyce's love of life and laughter were contagious. She adored her Chihuahua “CJ” who could always be found right by her side. 

She enjoyed doing projects around the house and spending time with her family, especially her niece with whom she shared a special bond. She also loved to reminisce with her friends who summered at Common Fence Point.

She is survived by two brothers, Richard Burgo and his husband John of Myrtle Beach, SC, Scott Burgo and his wife Debbie of Portsmouth, niece, Katelin Coyne and her husband Garrett, nephew Steven Tetrault. She was the sister of the late Edwin Burgo. 

Joyce’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the CNA’s, Nurses, and Doctor of Hope Hospice for the years of compassionate care of Joyce.

Private arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place. Contributions in her honor may be made to the Potters League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Ln, Middletown, RI 02842. To send a tribute, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com.

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.