John P. Byrne

John P. Byrne

John died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday with family and dear friends three weeks prior. It was a milestone he was very proud to reach. He was born to Alice Hinch Byrne and John P. Byrne in Virginia City, Nevada on June 28, 1925. He was a 3rd generation Nevadan and the oldest of six children.

John attended the 4th Ward School in Virginia City until a new school was built and it was closed. John was an alter boy for many years at St. Mary's of the Mountains and played on the last eight man football team in 1943. He was honored at the dedication of Virginia City's new football field in 2007. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno until he began his electrical apprenticeship in 1948. He worked as a union electrician out of I.B.E.W. Local 401 until he was elected the Local's Business Manager in 1957. John was reelected and served in that capacity for many years. He was instrumental in the purchase of the land and construction of the building that still serves its members today. John also initiated the first Health and Welfare and Pension plans for Local 401. In May 2013, John was honored and proud to receive his 65 year membership pin from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.).

His long career also included positions with the Building Trades Council of Northern Nevada and Ironworkers Local #118. He retired from the State of Nevada in 1998 after serving as the Deputy Labor Commissioner.

Throughout his lifetime, John was active in political and civic affairs serving on various City, County and State boards. He was proud to serve at the pleasure of several governors in various capacities beginning with his appointment by then Governor Grant Sawyer.

He was an avid hunter and enjoyed the beauty of our mountains, lakes and deserts. The family will continue to share years of memories of the many hunting, fishing and camping trips and the adventures that he led. Being born and raised in Virginia City also filled him with childhood memories and history of the area which he loved to share. Having a wonderful sense of humor and his amazing memory for names and dates made all his stories so interesting and entertaining.

His dedication and unconditional love for his family was felt by all who knew him. John had the biggest, kindest heart and was always ready to help anyone. He made so many lives better just by being a part of them. John was a true gentleman and a wonderful husband to the love of his life, Evelyn, sharing 62 years together. He loved being the best father and grandfather he could be to his three children and four grandsons. The birth of his first great grandchild, Evelyn Rae Byrne, in November 2014 gave him such joy and put a new sparkle in his eyes.

John is survived by his wife Evelyn; his daughter Victoria (Vicki) Byrne-Wilk (husband Richard); son James; grandsons Justin Byrne, Jeffrey Byrne (wife Grace), and Joel Byrne and his beautiful great-granddaughter, Evelyn Rae Byrne; sisters Mary Bernard (Donald) and Patricia Seymour (Floyd); several nieces/nephews and great-nieces/nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father Alice and John Byrne; his brother Frank Byrne and sisters Alice LeBard and Elizabeth (Betty) Natali; his son Jerry Byrne; grandson Anthony Tomburello and Pamela Byrne Harloff, daughter-in-law, who remained a very special part of our family until her death in 2010.

You are invited to attend a memorial mass to be held in his honor on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snows, 1138 Wright St, Reno, NV 89509. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

This giant of a man is gone from our sight but will remain always in our hearts.

The family invites you to leave a condolence message in the Book of Memories at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.