Dave and Joyce
By Stew Cohen
For their contributions to the Arizona Traditions Pickleball Club, Dave and Joyce Keil received thanks from several dozen residents in late August, 2026. Pickleball Club member Nancy Justiss organized the event held in the Sports Bar. Nancy brought a carrot cake, a favorite of the Keil’s, to the celebration for Dave and Joyce.
Dave had served the Club as an officer of the Pickleball Board twice. He was vice president under Alan Coleman and president after Coleman’s term ended. Joyce served for several years as a social director for the annual Holiday Party and the White Elephant Ladies Luncheon.
Although Dave did not finish his two-year term as president, he completed several major projects with assistance from fellow club members. During Dave’s service as a Pickleball officer, he was a big part of getting safety netting, lighting for the courts, new coolers, nets, and a filter for the drinking fountain.
Joyce and her staff of club assistant’s put on beautiful Holiday Parties in the Ballroom catered by Sharko’s. She also oversaw the annual ladies luncheon and white elephant swap. Joyce’s eye for the beautiful extended to the holiday centerpieces.
March 14th Tournament
From left to right: Carla Meritt, Darrel Parker, Sharon Marine, Stew Cohen, Berta Campea, and Larry Hodinsky.
Medal winners. 4th Place: Claire Complita and George Hoffman
3rd Place: Carla Meritt and Darrel Parker
2nd Place: Sharon Marine and Stew Cohen
1st Place: Berta Campea and Larry Hodinsky
The Ladies Luncheon is a much anticipated annual event and was celebrated at one of the ladies homes in the past. This year, they chose to gather at the restaurant in Sun Lakes and the restaurant management provided a table large enough for the group of about a dozen women. Being a guy, I’m not in the loop on their conversation so I’ll just say they had a marvelous time and were all smiles. Nancy Justiss took the photo. When will the pickleball club’s guys have a luncheon? I don’t think we ever will have our own luncheon. Prove me wrong.
Kim M. Pirosok has passed away. David’s wife of three years passed away peacefully in March 2026. Their faith in God led each of them forward facing whatever would come. They were strong for each other…and David read from the Bible at her bedside. When Kim could no longer respond in words, David filled the room with love and prayer and the things they shared in life. Kim was right in how she knew he was the man for her.
The Celebration of Life at Roberts Resort in El Mirage overwhelmed David. Kim’s humanity and strength had touched dozens of people and they hugged David with many mutual consoling moments. Family members, loyal friends, Happy Red Hot Momma’s, former students, Prayer Warriors, and pickleball players shared how Kim’s extraordinary life intersected with their own.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH
BOCCE AT ITS BEST
By Stew Cohen
Jonelle and Lori are champions of the 2026 AZT Pickleball Club’s Bocce Ball Tournament. They moved with precision and style through several bocce rounds and received gold medals for their efforts. The exciting final round wasn’t only a fine showing of exceptional bocce, but Jonelle Parker and Lori Schwartz went up against their husbands, Darrel Parker and Albert ‘Al’ Schwartz in the final game in front of at least 50 spectators. Jonelle and Lori raised their arms and hugged and received gold medals from Tracy Adamson, organizer of the bocce ball tournament. Moments later, Tracy gave Darrel and Al silver medals. Sixteen teams competed.