Christopher M. Byrne

AUBURN < Christopher M. Byrne, 55, formerly of Potter Road and Washington Street, Auburn, died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, after a long illness. Chris was born and raised in Auburn, graduating from Central High School in 1970. Chris was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 7 years old and dealt bravely with the disease until the end of his life. He graduated from BOCES LPN program in 1975, and worked for many years at the County Infirmary and then Auburn Memorial Hospital. He left the hospital to work at Auburn Correctional Facility. Prior to being forced to retire for health reasons, worked at Miller Bottling Co. For many years, Chris was an active member of the Throop Fire Department. He, along with his daughter Debbie, was one of the first graduates of the Leadership Cayuga program. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as a "cold beer and a good steak dinner." He had many nicknames, among them GINK and CRISPY. He was full of fun and loved his Irish heritage. Chris was very appreciative of the help given to him by the Auburn Fire Department and Ambulance Services for the past decade. Chris is survived by his children, Debra Byrne of Syracuse, Kimberly Byrne of Miami, Fla., Robert Byrne and his wife, Amele, of East Syracuse; his father, Edward J. Byrne and wife, Winnie, of Lexington, Ky.; his sister, Carol and husband, John Cambareri of Auburn; his brother, Eddie Byrne of Denver, Colo.; his aunt and godmother, Joan Schafer of Auburn; the mother of his children, Jeanne Byrne of Auburn; and his brother-in-law, Tom Geherin of Auburn. Chris was predeceased by his mother, Pat Byrne in 1980; and his brother and sister, Kevin Byrne and Connie Geherin in May and June of this year. He enjoyed his many nieces and nephews, including the Byrnes of Denver, the Colellas of Auburn and Denver, and the Albertis and the Rescotts of Auburn. The staff of St. Joseph"s Palliative Care Unit and Hospice of CNY lovingly tended to Chris during the last few weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourages donations be made in Chris"s name to that Unit (see above), 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203; or to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088. Family and friends are invited to call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the Heieck-Pelc Funeral Home, 42 E. Genesee St., Auburn. Private services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Chris never let life get him down. He will be sadly missed. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.