Henry J. "Rocky" Joyal, Jr.

Henry J. “Rocky” Joyal, of Belmont, died at home on Friday, December 5, 2025 following a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was 74.

Rocky was born in Newton on September 26, 1951, a son of the late Henry J. and Marjorie A. (Kelley) Joyal, and was raised in Waltham. He was a graduate of Waltham High School, Boston College of Suffolk University Law School.

He was a real estate investor and developer and was a longtime volunteer in various organizations that included coaching youth hockey and with many events that supported veterans.

Rocky was an avid sports fan, knowing every stat and standing of every game at all times, across the board. When he wasn’t watching sports, he was talking about it; all things Boston. He was especially pleased recently to receive a photo of his five-year-old grandson hitting golf balls, remarking, “There he goes, he’s carrying on the tradition.”

Rocky was a lifelong student of American history and politics but reserved his greatest affection for his family who he adored.

He leaves his wife, Doreen F. (Burke) Joyal; his children, Heather E. Joyal (Curtis Welch) of Santee, South Carolina and Ashley Kai Asteri of Boston; his grandson, Logan Welch; his brothers, Gary Joyal (Paula) of Natick and Peter Joyal (Nancy) of Falmouth; his sister, Jayne LaForest (Mark) of Acton; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul Burke of Belmont and Sharon Corbett of Waltham and many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, Henry and Marjorie, he was predeceased by his grandchild London Mary Welch.

Family and friends will honor and remember Rocky’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, December 12th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Belmont Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Launch Foundation, www.launchforvets.org , or c/o David DiGregorio, 34 Phillips Terrace, Waltham, MA 02453 --- Launch Foundation’s mission is to aid and assist low income and homeless veterans. Rocky was a major help in our pursuit to pass The Advantage Housing Act for Veterans. It took 7 plus years. Advantage Housing was passed and now veterans and families in Massachusetts have a preference on any and all new developments being built with low income provisions. This was a historic bill for Massachusetts veterans.