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Martin James Byrne

About

O'Dea High School

FUNERAL HOME

Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory - Seattle

4567 Rainier Ave S

Seattle, Washington

Martin Byrne Obituary

Martin James BYRNE With Marty's sparkling Irish blue eyes, rosy cheeks and hardy laughter this native Seattleite blessed all who knew him through his 96 years. Born on July 11, 1914, he passed away February 10, 2011 peacefully at home with his loving wife of 65 years by his side. He attended St. Mary, St. Edward & graduated from O'Dea High School 1932. He married Dorothy Josephine Pearson in 1945 at Immaculate Conception church. Marty was proud of his Irish heritage. All 4 of his grandparents immigrated to the Seattle area from Ireland. Patrick J. and Mary Ann Byrne settled in Rainier Valley. William A. Murray and Mary McAndrews settled in South Tacoma. Marty loved sports. He played baseball, horseshoes, bowled, lifeguarded at Alki Beach, was an avid fisherman/razor clam digger and loved cribbage. He worked at Lockheed/Todd's shipyards as a ship fitter/supervisor for over 40 years. As a devoted Catholic, he passed on his faith to his 5 children who attended St. Edward, O'Dea & Holy Names. After Marty & Dorothy retired at 70, they traveled extensively around the world. Marty had the ability to make life long friends and was the epitome of strength, generosity & perseverance. He valued his faith, family & friends & will be missed by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his parents Martin Thomas Byrne & Mary Agnes Murray & his siblings Dorothy, William & Nicholas & daughter Maureen J. Sullivan. He is survived by his wife Dorothy and his children Kathleen M. Rees (James), Rosemary Ann Byrne (Thomas W. Friedman), Martin G. Byrne (Eiliene), Stephen L. Byrne (Patricia), 14 grandchildren & 9 great grandchildren. A celebration of Marty's life will begin with a rosary on Wednesday February 16 at 6:30p.m. & funeral Mass on February 17 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 611 20th Ave. South, Seattle, reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Mary's Church. Please sign our guest book at www.columbiafuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Byrne

13 Entries

Frances Foster

February 26, 2011

Marty...my favorite cousin...such a beautiful, kind, considerate, and loyal man. I will never forget him. God Bless him and the Byrne family.
Love , cousin Frances Murray Foster

Karen Sparling Ghezzi

February 21, 2011

I knew Marty Byrne since Rosemary and I became best buddies in the 6th grade. I recall a life of love and kindness-a life well spent.

Rooddney Banaag-Byrd

February 17, 2011

Marty and Dorthy, put up with countless hours of kids playing in their yard and on their roof, never once did they complain. Marty had to stay busy with his hands, either fixing things or doing yard work. It didn't have to be his own yard/house. I know, I was his next door neighbor. He quietly showed me what it was to be a man of the house and take on responsibilities. When you visit Marty, made sure you had plenty of time,He loved to talk. Those conversations, were about history and life. At a young age, I didn't realize it. I now know. Thank you for being the "husband,father,and neighbor"that I am trying to become. My prayers are with the Byrnes family. Rodney.

The Pattens

February 16, 2011

We feel blessed to have known and spend time with Marty over the years. A great husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed but not forgotten.

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Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

February 15, 2011

Dear Dorothy, Kathleen, Rosemary and Family,
We wish to send each of you our supportive prayers as Martin enters his eternal life. May his new life in God's Presence be a deep source of peace for you all, and may you know his nearness always.

Kelly & Jim Calden

February 14, 2011

Marty and Dorothy are good examples for all of us. Best buddies, they maintained a good marriage, raised wonderful children who in turn have reared great kids and grandkids. We have always enjoyed our time with Marty, Dorothy and all of the kids. Very generous, fun loving, hospitable people. Our thoughts are with all of you. And to all of the family, keep on making Marty, Sr. proud! Hugs to all of you!

Connie Harris

February 14, 2011

Marty was such an amazing man. Both he and Dorothy were my adopted grandparents that lived next door. They new me as Sissy, and loved me like I was part of their family. I have since moved to Texas but tried to visit when I came home. I'm just sorry that I failed to do so on my last trip. They say give a man their flowers when they're alive because they can't appreciate them when they're gone. Marty....know that I tell my son about you, Casey, the tree house and all the wisdom you and Dorothy have parted on me.

To the Byrne family - thank you for allowing my family to share such a wonderful man with you all.

Love Sissy (Connie)

February 14, 2011

We have appreciated being Marty's neighbor for 56 years. Our children and theirs grew up together. He was very generous to include our children along with his on outings. He and his father did the plumbing for our bathroom remodel. He was a good and kind person and will be missed.
Ken & Doreen Butz

Shaughn FitzGerald

February 14, 2011

We will miss you Grandpa! I know you are happy to be reunited with your siblings, parents, friends and most of all your first born daughter, Maureen, my mother. I see you both smiling!

Donna Keyser

February 14, 2011

Knowing Rosemary only reminds me what a difference good fathers
make. He was dedicated to his family, loving each and every one so much. (And I got all that in one visit at the nursing home!!) He will live on in all their hearts, daily.
Donna Keyser

Colin Byrne

February 13, 2011

He passes on his proud Irish heritage, laughter, passion for sports, and love of family to me. We will all miss him very much, but his spirit can be seen in all of his children and grand children.

Conne Cannon

February 13, 2011

A man of all seasons. 30 years being neighbors were to short when you live next door to a pilar of a man. A family is only as strong as the Father. As a single parent for most of those 30 years, Marty did so many things a neighbor would not do for his neighbor, but he did. One morning I heard this strange noise and looked outside and there he was, Marty, digging up my front yard, looking for a leak. It started to rain so Marty covered up the area and waited until the rain had soaked into the ground. It was very cold, I mean Seattle cold, but Marty kept on until he had replaced with a new pipe. He was a savior to my family many many times. The world has lost an angel with a pipe wrench and heaven has graduated a servant with top honors.

Mary Wittman

February 13, 2011

Marty was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. It's been a blessing to be honored to be included as part of your wonderful extended family these last 30+ years. Marty's left such a glowing legacy in each and every one of his marvelous family members. Love to you all.

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