Lowell Edward Joy passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 93. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished great-grandfather whose quiet strength and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on August 23, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio, Lowell lived a life marked by determination, creativity, and care for others. He shared more than forty wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Elaine (Pine) Joy, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and enduring values.

A natural entrepreneur, Lowell built a successful career in the pleasure boat industry. He developed a small Lake Erie boat yard into a nationally recognized business, earning repeated honors from the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) as one of the top ten boat sales and service companies in the country. He later served as President of the MRAA, helping shape the future of the marine retail industry nationwide.

In addition to his business achievements, Lowell devoted himself to public service. He served as Fire Chief of the Lakeside (Ohio) Fire Department for 27 years, retiring in 1989. Passionate about education and training, he volunteered as an instructor for the Ohio Division of Trade and Industrial Education, teaching and mentoring firefighters and EMS personnel throughout northwest Ohio. He was also a founding member of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), helping to establish national standards for emergency medical care. He gave generously of his time and talents as a volunteer in many local civic organizations.

In 2010, Lowell fulfilled a lifelong dream by retiring and moving to Florida, where he spent his remaining years fishing the Atlantic waters for gamefish. He joined the Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club, where he served as vice president and won multiple tournaments. Never one to sit still, he began designing and building custom fishing rods—a hobby that grew into another successful venture, Pure Joy Custom Rods.

He is survived by his wife Elaine; his son Keith (Kathleen) Joy; his daughters Kathie Lee Joy and Rena (Dennis) Wolf; his sister Betty (Donald) Schrock; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who will always remember his warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sons, Reverend W. Kent (Julie) Joy and Kenneth (Sue Ann) Joy, as well as his parents, Harry and Leone Joy, whose memories he carried with him always.

Lowell will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, determination, creativity, and above all, his deep love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were touched by his kindness and service.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Lakeside, Ohio, and Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Family and friends are welcome to attend and honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Lowell’s name to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (Florida) or the Danbury Township Fire Department (Ohio).