Roy Alvin Joseph, age 78, of Gloucester, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Roy Alvin Joseph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend. Born on Carnival Monday, February 9, 1948, to Arnold and Tranquline Joseph in Trinidad and Tobago, Roy carried the warmth, rhythm, and spirit of his island roots throughout his life. He proudly served two years in the U.S. Navy before beginning a 47-year marriage with his beloved wife, Yvonne Joseph, whom he met on a blind date in November and married the following July.
Roy was a hardworking and dedicated man who took pride in his career. He worked at the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in Columbus, Ohio, and Newport News, Virginia, before later working at Ball Metal in Williamsburg. He faithfully continued his professional journey with Anheuser-Busch from August 1988 until his retirement in February 2015.
Roy was also a man of faith and service. From 2002 to 2005, he served as a member of the Pastoral Council at his church and on an advisory group to the priest that helped guide parish programs and activities. He also served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, helping distribute Holy Communion to those in attendance. Roy enjoyed being an active part of his church community and participated in as many of the parish’s social events as his schedule allowed. His commitment to his faith and willingness to serve others reflected the generous spirit he carried throughout his life. Roy had a big smile and was genuinely a happy person.
He made a friend wherever he went and would talk to anyone. He was an avid swimmer and biker, and he competed in numerous 5Ks, half-marathons, and marathons. He also loved to sail and found peace on the open water.
Outside of work and church, Roy lived life with energy, and above all, Roy loved his family deeply and unconditionally: his beloved siblings, Lloyd Joseph (deceased), Joy Riley, Madge Donohue, and Robert Joseph (deceased); his children, Nicole Marie Joseph-Larkins, Curtis Erving, DeAnna Maiden, Natalie Young, and Khristal Joseph; his treasured grandchildren, Leslie Larkins, Lamar Larkins, Korrine Erving, Dantae Erving, Amaya Erving, Mya Maiden, Dominique Young, and Carmine Young. He is further remembered by his loving nieces, nephews, and a host of extended relatives.
Roy lived with purpose, kindness, faith, and unwavering love. His steady presence, joyful spirit, dedication to his family, and commitment to serving others will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Roy Joseph transitioned peacefully on August 23, 2026, with his wife by his side. Roy lived with purpose, kindness, faith, and unwavering love. His steady presence, joyful spirit, dedication to his family, and commitment to serving others will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
“I passed this way. I brought nothing, and I will take nothing.” – Roy Joseph
Special thanks to Riverside Hospice Care, to the nurses, aides, and doctor who provided comforting and compassionate care while he was in hospice care for three years.
The family will receive friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 6-7:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Venancio R. Balarote “Father Jun.” Followed by a reception in the social hall and the interment to follow at Albert G. Horton Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 5130 Milners Road, Suffolk, Va. 23434, with military honors at 2 p.m. In memory of Roy, contributions may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church, 6262 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.