Joseph Lyons

Joseph Lyons, 85, of Sun City Hilton Head, passed away peacefully on October 21st at Hilton Head Regional Medical Center after a long period of illness. He was born in Manhattan to the late John and Catherine Lyons on December 10, 1930. He attended Power Memorial High School and then studied at the seminary of The Society of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart before graduating from Fordham University and serving in the US Army. He had a long career in medical journal publishing, including at the American Journal of Nursing and Nursing magazine. He lived in Holmdel, NJ until his retirement and subsequent move to Sun City in 1996. He had a strong Catholic faith that fueled his passion for family, community, social justice and caring for the environment. He traveled widely, was an avid birder and a founding member of the Sun City Democratic Club and the Fordham Club of the Lowcountry. He was a fiercely determined advocate for the building of the Nature Trail at Sun City, which has become one of the most popular recreational facilities there. Joseph leaves behind Eleanor, his beloved wife of 55 years, and his children: Christopher Lyons, Lenore Lyons Kostopoulos, Laura Lyons (Gregory) Karrh and John Lyons. He was “Papa Joe" to his beloved grandchildren, Julia, Aiden Joseph, Sophia and Emma. Joseph was very loved by his family and friends and he and his wonderful smile will be greatly missed. A Vigil will be held on Thursday, October 27th from 4-6pm at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 28th at 10:30 am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 St. Gregory Dr., Bluffton. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Gregory the Great “Building for Our Future” 2016 Fund, 31 St. Gregory Dr., Bluffton, SC 29909