Edward C. Byrne

NATICK Edward C. Byrne, 63, of Natick, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, surrounded by his family at the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, following a lengthy illness. Born in Boston on Dec. 11, 1944, he was raised in Natick, where he lived most of his life, a son of the late Joseph H. and Mary (Coursey) Byrne. A graduate of Natick High School, he had worked at the Natick Bus Company, Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, and retired as a Chrysler union chairman after 35 years. Eddie was known and respected as "the working mans friend." He loved to travel with his wife and family, especially enjoying the time he spent with his brother, Father Joe, on Cape Cod. He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn M. (Clifford) Byrne, and her daughters, Erin Fahey of Natick, and Shannon Fahey of Northborough; his daughter, Kristine Arapoff and her husband, Christopher, of Chesterfield, Va., and his grandson, Nathan Arapoff of Chesterfield, Va. He is also survived by his devoted brother, the Rev. Joseph F. Byrne of Falmouth; his mother-in-law, Joan Clifford of Wayland, and his brother-in-law, Daniel Clifford of Wayland. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass in St. Patricks Church, on Friday, Oct. 10, at 11:30 a.m. Principal celebrant will be his brother, Rev. Byrne. Visiting hours in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home (www.everettfuneral.com), 4 Park St., at Natick Common, will be on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Natick.